2 | 501 LIFE April 2021
What it means to be a
Mayo Clinic Care Network member
Your physician can collaborate with Mayo Clinic specialists on your behalf. This helps ensure you receive the care you need, close to home. Mayo Clinic Care Network members have special access to resources that include eConsults, eBoards, AskMayoExpert, Inpatient Telephone Consults and Patient Education materials.
For more information, please visit Unity-Health.org/mayo.
HOSPITALS • CLINICS • SPECIALISTS ARKANSAS
Unity-Health.org April 2021 501lifemag.com | 3
PUBLISHER'S NOTE
EDITOR Stefanie W. Brazile PUBLISHER Jeremy Higginbotham FOUNDERS Donna Spears and Sonja J. Keith ASSOCIATE EDITOR Levi Gilbert COPY EDITORS Jordan Hickey and Andrea Miller BRAND AMBASSADOR Donald Brazile ART DIRECTOR Jeremy Higginbotham PHOTO DIRECTOR Mike Kemp FINANCE DIRECTOR Debbie Flowers ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Donna Spears
Welcome home. Labradoodle Hershee Higginbotham always tries to be outside to welcome our son, Preston, home from school during his first year as a Greenbrier Panther.
I
t will be 25 years this August since I made a fateful day trip to Central Arkansas. I was a newly accepted UCA Bear and I had a job interview with the Log Cabin Democrat's advertising director. She hired me on the spot (smart lady) and I soon began my first "501 life." It's always a challenge to arrive somewhere new, and I had never lived anywhere outside my small East Texas town of Maud, population 1,100. For my first few weeks here, I was back on I-30 West to Texas every Friday night, always ready to get back home. However, it didn't take me long to realize this was a remarkable place and maybe I should hang around more often. On my very first day on the job, I met a young sales representative named Paulette. The two of us celebrated our 20th wedding anniversary this past June. With her as my tour guide, I discovered they weren't kidding when they named Arkansas “The Natural State.” The panoramic views of Pinnacle Mountain, the sunsets at Petit Jean, even watching the barges dock at Toad Suck was a sight to behold. It wasn't long before all I could do was brag about Conway and the surrounding areas. I couldn't understand why any city would have red lights when there was the superior four-way stop, (the ’90s equivalent of the roundabout). I would brag the Little Rock movie theaters with stadium seating, (you're literally higher than the row in front of you!). And the Stoby's cheese dip. ... Oh, the Stoby's cheese dip. Just three years after I came to the 501, I was given a job opportunity back in Texas. I was excited but hesitant to leave. My last day here, I remember walking around downtown Conway thinking, "You're going to miss this place.” Boy, was I right.
4 | 501 LIFE April 2021
CONTRIBUTORS Becky Bell Donna Benton Don Bingham Kellie Bishop Donald Brazile Brittany Gilbert Laurie Green Dwain Hebda Linda Henderson Vivian Hogue Beth Jimmerson
Kevin McCoy Jennifer McCracken Mark McDonald Mark Oliver John Patton Susan Peterson Dr. Robert Reising Judy Riley Donna Lampkin Stephens Morgan Zimmerman
FAULKNER COUNTY EDITORIAL BOARD
This month, we are excited to share with you some of the many sights that make the 501 a such a special place. We have filled these pages with stories of spots in and around the 501 that are perfect for day trips which allow you to sleep in your own bed at night. We're also particularly proud to announce the very first 501 Day. Leaders from all across the 501 have worked to coordinate special activities, events and discounts throughout all our counties on this new “holiday” on May 1, or 5/01. I hope you will take the time to check out some of the astonishing photography our team has collected for this edition. We should never forget how blessed we are to live amongst such natural beauty. Whether your version of a day trip is foraging for morels, checking out a food truck, or going on a bike ride through the backroads of Arkansas, we have something to make you want to get out and explore. It was just a little over a year ago when I made a second fateful day trip to Central Arkansas. I was coming to meet that very same lady who had hired me all those years before, Donna Spears, who was co-owner of 501 LIFE Magazine. Looking to retire, she and her business partner were ready to turn the magazine over to new hands. Because of my experience with design and the magazine, they had chosen me, (I told you she was a smart lady). Not long after, my new business partner, Stefanie Brazile, who graciously shared her editorial space with me this month, and I brought our families here to the 501. It has been a winding journey to get here and every day with a magazine is a new adventure — but man, am I thrilled I made the trip. I am so thankful to finally be back home.
Johnny Adams Jack Bell Don Bingham RaeLynn Callaway Glenn Crockett Kay Dalton Beth Franks Russ Hancock Spencer Hawks Mathilda Hatfield Roe Henderson Jerry Hiegel Mike Kemp Julie LaRue
Karl Lenser Monica Lieblong Lori Melton Kiera Oluokun Deanna Ott Pat Otto Jon Patrom Amy Reed Lori Ross Margaret Smith Jan Spann Kim Tyler Suzann Waggoner Jennifer Whitehead
CONWAY COUNTY EDITORIAL BOARD Mary Clark Shelli Crowell Dr. Larry Davis Shawn Halbrook Alicia Hugen Alisha Koonce
Stephanie Lipsmeyer Stewart Nelson Kristi Strain Jim Taylor Morgan Zimmerman
WHITE COUNTY EDITORIAL BOARD Betsy Bailey Tara Cathey Cassandra Feltrop Phil Hays Natalie Horton
Matt LaForce Mike Parsons Brooke Pryor Carol Spears Kristi Thurmon
To subscribe or order back issues, visit 501lifemag.com. The subscription rate is $20 for one year (12 issues). Make the Jump Media, LLC 920 Locust Ave., Suite 104 Conway, AR 72034 501.327.1501 info@501lifemag.com
501 LIFE is published monthly by Make the Jump Media, LLC (920 Locust Ave., Suite 104, Conway, AR 72034, 501.327.1501) owned by Jeremy Higginbotham and Stefanie W. Brazile. The contents of 501 LIFE are copyrighted and materials presented may not be copied or reproduced in any manner without the written permission of the publishers. Articles should not be considered specific advice, as individual circumstances vary. Products and services advertised are not necessarily endorsed by 501 LIFE.
Your Care. Your Safety. Our Priority.
THAT’S OUR HERITAGE!
VACCINATED The COVID-19 vaccination was recently offered to all staff and residents; we are excited to announce the majority were vaccinated! Our team at Heritage Living Center is committed to the continued safety and protection of our residents, family members and team of caregivers. As a safeguard against COVID-19 we will continue to offer the vaccine on a routine basis.
1175 Morningside Drive Conway, AR • 501.327.7642
April 2021 501lifemag.com | 5
CONTENTS
April 2021
Volume 13 Issue 12 4 8 10 12
Letter from the Publisher/Staff Box Upcoming events Loving LIFE Springhill's ‘Standout Salute’
By Stefanie Brazile
27
14 Loving LIFE/St. Joseph’s new principal 16 Let's ride
By Mike Kemp
20 Couple of the month 23 There’s no place like Mountain Home
By Dwain Hebda
On the cover
27 1st Annual 501 DAY!
By Stefanie Brazile
There's a full day of fun to be had every day in and around the 501. Downtown Conway is just one of many stops to make on a new "holiday," the first annual 501 Day. (Mike Kemp photo)
32 Music to their ears 33 When Easter is nowhere
By Don Brazile
34 The ultimate Easter egg
By Don Bingham
36 Foraging for morels in the Ozarks
By Donna Benton
38 CRMC has first lung scanner in state
32
By John Patton
40 Blanchard Springs Caverns
By Bill Patterson
42 The great outdoors
By Jenn McCracken
43 Spiritual day trips
By Mark McDonald
44 Conway Corp kid's contest
By Beth Jimmerson
46 Over the river and through the woods
By Vivian Lawson Hogue
48 A day at the races
By Bill Patterson
52 Dig up some family adventure!
By Kellie Bishop
53 Kid of the month Cayleb Stobaugh 54 The right choice in education
By Jessica Duff
56 Youth of the month Isaiah Duvall 57 Tips for traveling with kids
By Brittany Gilbert
58 Celebrating Athletic Excellence Jack McKnight
By Dr. Robert Reising
60 Raise the woof!
By Dwain Hebda
62 Authors in the 501 Poet Laureate of Arkansas
By Susan Peterson
60 The Buffalo - first national river
By Linda Henderson
68 A tropical 501 LIFE
By Rik Sowell
70 Person of the month Secretary Stacy Hurst 6 | 501 LIFE April 2021
501 Day Special Feature beginning page 27
60
501 LIFE would like to thank our advertising partners for their continued support and encourage our readers to visit these businesses:
C
Central Baptist College, 67 Chicken Salad Chick, 29 Conway Corp, 18 Conway Regional Health System, 71 Conway Regional Rehab, 33
D
DJM Orthodontics, 56 Downtown Conway, 26
Get “LIFE” at home!
For a limited time, 501 LIFE is offering a special subscription rate for new subscribers: have the magazine delivered to your home for only $20 for one year, 501 LIFE is distributed to more than 700 locations in Central Arkansas, and copies go fast. Home delivery guarantees readers they won’t miss a single issue.
Visit 501LIFEmag.com or call 501.327.1501 to subscribe.
E
501lifemag
Edward Jones, 45
501lifemag
501life
F
First Security Bank, 72 First Service Bank, 13 Freyaldenhoven Heating and Cooling, 59
Writers’ Room
G
Vivian Lawson Hogue
Guy Perkins Schools, 25
H
Hartman Animal Hospital, 61 Harwood, Ott & Fisher, PA, 37 Heritage Living Center, 5 Hiegel Supply, 29
M
MSC Eye Associates, 24 Magic Springs, 51 Methodist Family Health, 63
O
Ott Insurance, 66
P
Patterson Eye Care, 57 Pickles Gap Cycle Shack and Weapon Shack, 22 Pulaski County Special School District, 55
R
Reynolds Performance Hall, 31
S
Salem Place, 39 Shelter Insurance, 29 Sissy’s Log Cabin, 15 Superior Health & Rehab, 2
U
Unity Health, 3 University of Arkansas Community College Morrilton, 8 University of Central Arkansas, 53
Recognized throughout the state as an accomplished chef, Don Bingham has called the 501 his home for 47 years. “I enjoy most the people of the 501 – their heart and passion for life and for one another.” A graduate of Dallas Theological Seminary, Don has a bachelor’s degree in communications and is a certified chef. He and his wife, Nancy, have five married children and 12 grandchildren. His interests include music, interior design and event planning. He can be reached at donaldjbingham@gmail.com.
is among the rare “native” segment of pre-mid-20th century Conway residents still living where she was born in 1943. A graduate of Conway High School, Vivian attended Hendrix College for two years and graduated from the University of Central Arkansas with a bachelor of science in education degree in art education. Vivian writes a regular column for 501 LIFE, oftentimes with a historical perspective. “Writing just slipped into my life by a happy accident." To contact Vivian, email vhogue@conwaycorp.net.
Dwain Hebda is an award-
winning writer, editor and journalist as well as president of his own editorial services company, Ya!Mule Wordsmiths in Little Rock. Hebda’s work is published in more than 35 publications, covering everything from the outdoors to business to the arts. He loves telling extraordinary stories about everyday people. Nebraskan by birth, Southern by the grace of God, he and his wife dote on their four grown children and three spoiled dogs. Contact him at dwain@ya-mule. com. April 2021 501lifemag.com | 7
UPCOMING EVENTS
Century League of Morrilton announces Super Raffle Drawing 7 p.m. • April 12
The Century League of Morrilton will hold a Super Raffle in place of their annual 2021 Charity Ball. Each year, the funds raised are used to help the Morrilton community.
by Haynes Home Center, and co-sponsored by Hawkins Insurance and Edward Jones Investments, will also be raffled. Tickets for the go-kart are $10 each or $50 for six.
Omelets with the Toad Master
Tickets for all items are available from any Century League member or can be purchased online at facebook.com/centuryleague. The drawing will be streamed on Facebook Live. Winners need not be present to win.
Omelets with the Toad Master will be held at the Brick Room Event Center in Conway. The event includes omelets prepared by local celebrity chefs, appearances by the Toad Master, and specialty coffee drinks sponsored by T.H.I.N.K. Coffee. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children, and to-go omelets are available. Proceeds benefit Milestones Services. Tickets and T-shirts are
ART JAM – Together We Art! “Our community still needs us, even more than before, and we are committed to answering the calls for help whenever we can,” said club president Lyndsey Daniel. “We also have yearly commitments like our Christmas Angels, Free Little Pantry and UACCM scholarship, just to name a few, and we are determined to fulfill those promises.” Century League members will be selling tickets for a Browning Buckmark .22 caliber pistol, donated by LK Construction and Remodeling; a Covert Scouting Camera and solar panel, donated by Roberson Tire; a Hobo Ballad Bag, donated by Merle Norman & More; a handmade charcuterie board, donated by Voss & Sons, with Petit Jean Meats, and wine from Point Remove Brewery and Movie House Winery; 20 units of Botox, one tube of Juvederm and a $200 gift certificate, donated by Dixon Family Dental and MedSpa; and an autographed "Days of our Lives" Anniversary book, donated by April Talbott. Tickets for these items are $5 each or five for $20. A TrailMaster Mid XRX-R Go-Kart, donated
10 a.m. - 4 p.m. • April 24 ART JAM – Together We Art! will be held at Matthews Park in Greenbrier. Presented by Herschel Hall, the event will host artists, authors, live music, a juried art show and sale, creative writing exhibit and performances. It will also feature an interactive art project and free activities for kids. Festival T-shirts will be available at the festival and will directly support the scholarship fund. Artists are invited to apply to participate in this event and may request an application by emailing GBArtJam@gmail.com. Anyone specializing in handcrafted, original, high-quality works of art is encouraged to apply. Booth fees are $25 per 10-by10-foot space. All participating artists’ booths will be judged based on overall appearance and the quality of the entire body of work. Learn more at cityofgreenbrierar.com/art-jam.
A SMART CHOICE § High-Quality, Hands-On Skills Training § General Education Classes for Easy Transfer § Affordable Tuition and Financial Aid § Strong Support System
WWW.UACCM.EDU
8 | 501 LIFE April 2021
8 a.m. - 11 p.m. • May 2
available at milestonesconway.org/donate-2. COVID-19 precautions will be in place, including social distancing between groups and and face coverings required for all guests and volunteers. The 2nd Annual
Russ Campbell Memorial Rodeo May 15
The 2nd Annual Russ Campbell Memorial Rodeo will be held May 15 at the Two Bar Two Arena at CrossRoads Cowboy Church in El Paso. Proceeds from the nonprofit event benefit youth wanting to participate in rodeo events. Scholarships are available until May 3. Donations to the foundation are accepted year round. Awards will be granted based on the applicant entries. To learn more, call Todd Campbell at 501.505.6049.
501 NEWS
501 LIFE is partnering with First Security Bank and Conway Regional Health System to present the annual Daffodil Daze Art Contest. “After missing 2020 due to COVID-19, we are thrilled to showcase the artistic talents of Faulkner County students,” said 501 LIFE Publisher Jeremy Higginbotham. “Their work will inspire many throughout the 501 as we celebrate this beautiful time of year." In 2019, judges reviewed nearly 300 entries before deciding on the winners. “Art is such an important element of our culture and our society,” said Daffodil Daze Chairman Donna Evans. “And so are daffodil flowers in our parks and along our trails! Both lend beauty and creativity to the world of Conway. I’m so excited that Daffodil Daze is returning to offer our students an opportunity to display their talents in this unique contest.” The Daffodil Daze Art Contest is open to all Faulkner County students in kindergarten through the 12th grade. Entries must be submitted on 8.5-by-11-inch paper in any art medium, including photos. On the back, please list the student’s name, school, grade, teacher, phone number and email address. The subject can be any variety of daffodil flower(s). Entries will be judged in three school divisions: elementary (kindergarten through fourth grade), middle school (fifth through eighth grade), and junior high/ high school (ninth through 12th grade). Friday, April 16, is the deadline to submit entries at the 501 LIFE magazine office at 920 Locust Ave., Suite 104 (ring doorbell). Winners will be announced in 501 LIFE. For more information, email info@501lifemag.com or call 501.327.1501. April 2021 501lifemag.com | 9
LOVING LIFE
Loving LIFE is a trip! 501 readers are loving LIFE and sharing their moments and special occasions with others. Headed out on a special trip? Have a special occasion or get-together coming up? Pack a copy of 501 LIFE in your suitcase, snap a photo at your destination and send it to us for publication in a future issue! Photos can be submitted by email to info@501lifemag.com or by mail to Reader Photos, c/o 501 LIFE, 920 Locust Ave., Suite 104, Conway, AR, 72034. Please include the names of those in the photograph, and their hometowns, along with contact information. Sorry, photos will not be returned by mail but can be picked up at the 501 LIFE office.
Esteban Saavedra was “Loving LIFE” as he repainted a buffalo in Clinton where the National Championship Chuckwagon Races are held annually.
Britt (from left), Jessie, Lexi and Amanda Briscoe at Peace Memorial Park in Itoman, where the final battle in Okinawa took place during World War II.
Hopie Hawkins was “Loving LIFE” in Molokai, Hawaii.
10 | 501 LIFE April 2021
Matthew and Adena White, and their son, Elijah, were "Loving LIFE" when they hiked with him on Huckleberry Trail at Woolly Hollow State Park.
LOVING LIFE
The Student Ministry Student Leadership Team of Woodland Heights Baptist Church was “Loving LIFE” in January while on a leadership retreat in Harriet (Searcy County). Front row: Emma Lasiter (from left), Lauren Etters, Kaylee Moore, Rebekah Ward, Carly Mosier, Emma Cariker. Row 2: Cade Harris, Caden Sandefer, Haydon Dor, Kera McCain, Carter Moore. Row 3: Jon-Austen Linch, Tyson Turnage, Josh Brown, Gavin Law, Hudson Turnage. Row 4: Sara Black, Jaxson Black, Christy Etters, MaryAnn Etters, student pastor J.D. Cariker.
Norma Calhoun was "Loving LIFE" and looking lovely as she celebrated her 100th birthday on Feb. 12, at her home in Morrilton. She received more than 260 birthday cards, beautiful flower arrangements, and numerous phone calls from family, friends and former students.
Ryan Davis (from left), Kaitlyn Kordsmeier and Brooklyn Kordsmeier were “Loving LIFE” and enjoying the snow in Conway by building an igloo.
Little Elias Sterling, and his mom, Callie, were “Loving LIFE” as they ventured out into Elias’s first snow experience at their home in North Little Rock.
Silas Grace was “Loving LIFE” as he entertained passersby in Historic Downtown Conway.
Jeramya Brock of Conway Christian was “Loving LIFE” as he signed a letter of intent to play football for Missouri Baptist University.
Peyton Saxton and Aubrey Chamber are “Loving LIFE” and friendship in Conway.
Billy and Trudy Holliman of Wooster were “Loving LIFE” as they celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on Feb. 5.
April 2021 501lifemag.com | 11
501 NEWS
Springhill Elementary honors teacher with a
By Stefanie Brazile
‘Standout Salute’ W
Families honored Justin Legris with patriotic decorations and clothing to honor his decision to serve.
Springhill Elementary Principal Ashley Hammett (from left), Justin Legris and assistant principal Melissa West. Photo by Donald Brazile.
12 | 501 LIFE April 2021
hen Justin Legris told his wife that he had talked to a recruiter and wanted to serve in the Arkansas Army National Guard, she took it in stride — but his young music students at Springhill Elementary had a lot of questions. “[My wife], Stephanie, grew up in an Air Force family,” Legris said. “Her dad served and she grew up moving around. So when I brought it up, she got it. Going in, she understands the kinds of sacrifices that will have to be made.” The commitment to leave for training and then return to the classroom was a natural fit for the music teacher whose students range from kindergarten through fifth grade. “I can remember seeing my grandfather cry when he heard the national anthem. I can remember the feeling months after 9/11 — the amount of pride I felt and how fortunate I felt to live in a country that was so supportive of first responders and our military.” Legris finds teaching younger kids a fulfilling profession, but during the pandemic lockdown he began looking at different programs to continue his education. “I felt like I had a desire to serve my country and I had all these other interests, but didn’t want to stop teaching,” he said. After talking with a recruiter and taking the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB), the door opened and he qualified to do any job. He enlisted as an officer candidate and after basic training, he’ll transfer to Officer Candidate School (OCS). Originally from Fort Smith, he met Stephanie at UCA. He graduated with a music education degree from Belmont University in Nashville in 2015 — the same year they married. After teaching in Little Rock for a year, he joined the staff at Greenbrier’s newest elementary school. Legris loves teaching general music to all grades, teaching guitar and choir to fourth and fifth graders and running an after-school music program. “The data we’ve taken shows that music helps with anger management, improves classroom motivation and communication skills, and we’ve even seen some that are more shy start to come out of their shell,” he said. As the parents of a 2-year-old and a 4-year-old, Legris and his wife model patriotism both at home and as educators. Stephanie also works for the Greenbrier School District as a high school counselor. “I remember my father teaching me to stand up and take off my hat and put my hand on my heart every time I saw a flag,” she said. Legris plays the piano, guitar and trumpet, and also sings. He has played taps at many ceremonies at national cemeteries because his father is a leader of a group that lays wreaths on soldier’s graves. In the past year, he also committed to fitness and lost 50 pounds while running more than 300 miles last summer. “I feel the best my body has felt since high school,” he said. Recently, students celebrated his commitment to serve with a day of patriotic music and saluted him in the hallways. After school, cars in the pick-up line were decorated with encouraging signs and students gave him notes. He looks forward to starting his Army National Guard training and to being back in the classroom — but in the meantime, he’s glad students had a chance to learn about patriotism. “I think it’s a good thing for them to know someone who is serving our country.”
April 2021 501lifemag.com | 13
LOVING LIFE/NEWS
Lindsey Bryant, MSN, APRN, FNP-C (from left), Lindsay Enns, MD, FAAD, and Rebecca Denniston, PA-C, celebrate the grand opening of Dermatology Group of Arkansas, P.A. in Conway.
McKenzie Mahan and Nathaniel Clifton were “Loving LIFE” while working at the east branch of First Security Bank in Conway.
Mother-daughter team Mirinda Davis (from left) and Mallory Davis opened Kindred Mercantile in Conway.
St. Joseph School announces lead principal F
ather Tony Robbins recently announced that Matthew Tucker has been appointed to lead principal of St. Joseph School. Tucker earned his bachelor of science in education from the University of Central Arkansas and a master of education from the University of Arkansas. He continued his education with a Principal Endorsement from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock and is currently pursuing his doctorate in education leadership from Saint Louis University. Tucker will continue to serve as the middle school principal, along with his newly appointed role. Mrs. Teri Breeding will continue as high school principal and Mrs. Courtney Pope as elementary principal. St. Joseph Catholic School is a pre-K through 12th grade Catholic school in Conway. Since 1879, the school has continued the tradition of providing quality education and excelling in core academics. They are committed to educating the whole person: mind, body and soul.
14 | 501 LIFE April 2021
M Y L A G O S M Y W AY
C AV I A R C O L L E C T I O N S
April 2021 501lifemag.com | 15
16 | 501 LIFE April 2021
I’m a sucker for a twisty road. There’s just something about finding a road you’ve never been down and taking that route for the sheer pleasure of learning what’s on that road. And when you do it on a motorcycle, the experience is allencompassing. You are immersed in the sounds and smells of your surroundings; you get to experience temperature fluctuations as you climb a mountain or descend into a valley. You’re not watching the movie, you’re in the movie. Let's Ride continued on page 18
TRAVEL Let's Ride continued from page 17
F
or those of us lucky enough to live in the 501, fun roads with interesting destinations are at an abundance. Some of those roads are points to launch from to explore roller coaster-esque ribbons of asphalt in the Ozark, Ouachita or Boston Mountain ranges. However, many of my favorite rides are the ones closest to my central Arkansas home. One of my favorite places in Arkansas – Petit Jean Mountain – is about 30 minutes from my home and makes for an easy ride when time is in short supply. The views are spectacular, and several roads leading off the mountain, such as the loop of roads in the Rose Creek area (Highways 155, 247 and 324) can be added to extend the ride. To further add to that, continue west to add a trip up Mount Nebo or even Mount Magazine, to take in some of the highest points and most awe-inspiring views in the state. The views aren’t limited to mountain tops, either. I remember coming down a hill on a ride up Scenic Highway 7, and as I headed north out of Jessieville, I was struck by the rolling Ouachitas that lay before me. It made me realize how beautiful my
Even though these are among the most popular routes in the 501, there are many hidden gems that a motorcyclist can find. All it takes is a curiosity to find out where the road leads.
home state is, and how much I take it for granted. The National Scenic 7 Byway winds its way from border to border in a northsouth path, and a great twisting section runs between Hot Springs Village to Ola. The curves are great for scraping excess metal from your foot pegs and the scenery is breathtaking, with several opportunities for scanning the Ouachitas for miles on end. You can also stop for refreshment and a chance to catch your breath at the Hollis Country Store, which has been in operation since the 1930s and still offers RC colas and Moon Pies.
Page 17: Brown Chapel is on the campus of Lyon College in Batesville (bottom left); decorated motorcycle is at the Drasco Trading Post in Drasco in Cleburne County (top left); CocaCola mural is in Marshall in Searcy County (top right). Page 19: Ozarks sign on HWY 65 in Clinton (top); Mike with a Moon Pie and RC Cola at the Hollis Country Store in Hollis (center left); mural is in Plainview in Yell County (center); Mike's helmet behind Mount Nebo Visitor's Center in Yell County (center right); Cotter Bridge in Baxter County (bottom left); motorcycle selfie at Stout's Point in Petit Jean State Park (bottom right).
g e t h o m e e n t e r t a i n m e n t that d o e s n ’t h a v e t o s t ay a t h o m e . s t re a m i n g t v | c l o u d d v r | l i v e s p o r t s | l o c a l c h a n n e l s | m u c h m o re Introducing ConwayCorpTV – delivering everything you love to watch – movies, shows, live sports, Wampus Cat coverage and more – on your TVs and mobile devices. No boxes. No cables. No limits. Make the switch today.
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18 | 501 LIFE April 2021
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(501) 450-6000
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April 2021 501lifemag.com | 19
MAUMELLE NEIGHBORS Couple of the Month
HER STORY NATIVE OF: Texarkana, Texas.
Melanie Ritchie
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s in accounting from Henderson
State University and master's in business administration from UALR.
NAME OF BUSINESS: We own Rock City Outfitters. PARENTS: Byron and Diane Cook of Texarkana, Texas. HOBBIES/SPECIAL INTERESTS: I enjoy watching sports, camping, hiking, biking or anything outdoors, as well as cooking and baking. I also have a special love for animals, especially dogs. HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOURSELF:
I am a perfectionist, very organized, plan ahead, and am always on time (unless I have to wait on my husband.) I don't like the spotlight or a lot of attention and I can be shy at times.
WHAT IS ONE THING PEOPLE DON’T KNOW ABOUT YOU: I have an identical twin sister. She
lives in Little Rock, so we often get mistaken for each other.
MOST ENJOYED WEEKEND ACTIVITY:
Watching my kids play sports (soccer, baseball and football).
WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT LIVING IN THE 501: I enjoy the small-town vibe and friendly
people in the 501. I love the laid-back lifestyle and focus on community and family.
20 | 501 LIFE April 2021
Ryan Ritchie
HIS STORY
NATIVE OF: Russellville. EDUCATION: Double major in economics/finance and business administration
from ATU and master's in business administration from UALR
NAME OF BUSINESS: We own Rock City Outfitters. PARENTS: Howard and Becky Ritchie of Russellville. HOBBIES/SPECIAL INTERESTS: I love to watch all college sports and
do anything outdoors such as camping and riding bikes.
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOURSELF: I am the king of dad jokes and just want everyone to have a good time. I also try not to take things too seriously, which sometimes gets me in trouble. WHAT IS ONE THING PEOPLE DON’T KNOW ABOUT YOU:
In high school, I played guitar in a rock band called Okra. Spoiler alert, we never made it big.
MOST ENJOYED WEEKEND ACTIVITY: Watching my kids participate in all their sports and activities such as baseball, soccer and football. It pretty much consumes every Saturday and Sunday, but we love it. When I have a free weekend, I enjoy doing anything I can outdoors. WHAT IS YOUR MOTTO: When I was growing up, every single time I left the house or went out on the town, my dad would say, “Remember who you are and where you came from.” It left an impression on me. So much so that I am thinking of getting a tattoo of it someday. Maybe a face tattoo and my dad can't get mad since it was his saying. WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT LIVING IN THE 501:
One of the things I enjoy most about living in the 501 is how one minute you can be in a nice downtown area enjoying all the amenities of city life and in a short drive you can be camping, hiking, boating, etc.
Ryan and Melanie definitely keep their marriage exciting. This is just another day near his parents’ home in Russellville.
WHEN/HOW WE MET: Graduate school at UALR. She helped me pass my classes. THE PROPOSAL: I had my whole family help cut out gigantic cardboard hearts and painted them all pink and red. Then I broke into her apartment while she was at work and hung them all over the place. I was there waiting for her when she walked in and totally scared her to death. WEDDING BELLS: September 23, 2006 at Pulaski Heights Methodist Church in Little Rock. CHILDREN: Hudson, 12; Lexi, 10; and Beckham 7. PETS: Bear and Groot, two small mutt rescue dogs that are brothers. They are spoiled rotten. FAMILY ACTIVITIES ENJOYED TOGETHER: Attending sporting events,
camping and taking road trips. Before COVID-19, we loved to attend concerts and live music events.
Lexi (from left), Beckham and Hudson with pups Bear and Groot.
The cool couple skiing in Beaver Creek, Colo.
April 2021 501lifemag.com | 21
TRAVEL
There's no place like
Mountain Home An Arkansas favorite with something for everyone By Dwain Hebda
L ooking to experience everything that’s great about Arkansas in one tranquil, friendly spot? Mountain Home fits that bill. Whether you’re looking for the great outdoors, good food or a thriving entertainment scene, this welcoming community in Baxter County fills the bill. Mountain Home continued on page 24 April 2021 501lifemag.com | 23
Mountain Home continued from page 23
Concert Series in Hickory Park - photo courtesy of Arkansas Tourism.
Enjoying the sunset at Lake Norfork - photo courtesy of Arkansas Tourism.
e White River - provided by Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism 24 | 501 LIFE April 2021
TAKE IT OUTSIDE Positioned among some of the most prime natural areas of the state, Mountain Home suits any outdoor taste, be it water, mountains or woods. The community is bookended by Bull Shoals Lake on one side and Lake Norfork on the other, both of which offer plenty of water sports and some of the best fishing in America. Lake Norfork boasts 550 miles of shoreline and 22,000 acres of surface water and is home to nearly every species of freshwater game fish. It’s also unbeatable for water sports, offering plenty of boating, water skiing and swimming. Bull Shoals Lake is the state's largest, with more than 94,000 acres of water and 1,050 miles of shoreline. In 2012, it made Bassmaster Magazine’s top 100 Bass Lakes in the country; here, smallmouth bass is king, with walleye and crappie next in line. Those more into fly-fishing will want to gravitate to the nearby White and North Fork rivers. Strategic cold-water release from area dams and fish management by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission has built the area into some of the finest trout fishing in North America. And of course, the mountains surrounding Mountain Home provide plenty of hiking and biking trails as well as some of the most picturesque motorcycling to be had anywhere in The Natural State. Not to mention the family-friendly Blanchard Springs Caverns and Norfork National Fish Hatchery (check websites for hours and availability).
OUT ON THE TOWN Dining and entertainment options abound in Mountain Home itself, providing big-city amenities in a small-town setting. Check out the quaint and historic town square, ringed by unique shops and merchants offering one-of-a-kind treasures. Visit the farmer’s market from April to November for local produce and other artisan treats. Or get in a round of Frisbee golf on the scenic campus of ASU Mountain Home, a popular attraction that is open to the public. The campus also boasts the Vada Sheid Community Development Center, home to the 824-seat Ed Coulter Performing Arts Center and Dykstra Stage. Quiet during the COVID-19 pandemic, the facility is eager to get back to its usual slate of touring musicians, lectures, art showings and other entertainment. Dining options can be as dressed up or as casual as you like in Mountain Home. Locals are divided on the best breakfast in town between Mel’s Diner and Skippers, but both sides admit you can’t go wrong with either to start your day. Other local favorites include Tasty Greens Togo, a new place pushing healthy dining options that’s already garnered a rabid local following. Or go down-home at Cooyons and enjoy some
of the best seafood, po’boys, alligator bites and crawfish pies this side of the Gulf. A short drive from Mountain Home finds KTs BBQ in Gassville, where locals know Wednesdays are for the joint’s legendary smoked stuffed burger. It sells out fast, so get there early. And for an elegant night out, visit Gaston’s Restaurant in Lakeview right on the White River or The Grill at Whispering Woods in Jordan set among the majestic pines.
TIMING IS EVERYTHING As things continue to open up from the pandemic, events and festivals are returning to the city’s calendar. Plan your trip around these and feel the community spirit and pride residents have for their beloved hometown. A mere sample includes the Baxter Healthcare 2021 Summer Concert Series (May-August); Red, White & Blue Festival (June); Twin Lakes Thunder Rally (October) and Christmas Parade and Festival (December). For a complete list of events, visit the Chamber of Commerce website at enjoymountainhome.com.
Catch some fun early at Lake Norfork, then have a cozy evening at Crush Studio in downtown - photos courtesy of Arkansas Tourism.
April 2021 501lifemag.com | 25
26 | 501 LIFE April 2021
CELEBRATION
April 2021 501lifemag.com | 27
It's time to
Celebrate! By Stefanie Brazile
Y
ou're invited to join in community celebrations, exciting events and one-day business specials all around Greater Central Arkansas on Saturday, May 1 (5/01), as part of a celebration of all of the cities that fall within the area code - 501!
The first annual 501 DAY is the brainchild of the Downtown Little Rock Partnership who came up with the idea and reached out to other communities in the region. “Everyone we contacted said ‘yes’ and it snowballed from there,” said Ellen Lampe, director of communications for the organization. “This celebration of hometown pride and local businesses very quickly became a team effort and, beginning in January, we met every other week to encourage participation and collaborate. “The concept is to inspire everyone to get out of the house whether it’s going to a favorite local business or driving to a trail. Of course, a main goal is a celebration of community and The Natural State and all of the wonderful things we have to offer. “We also developed the handle ‘@celebrate 501’ and ‘#celebrate501’ to be part of a larger movement of being proud of where we live and we encourage people to use that hashtag 28 | 501 LIFE April 2021
throughout the year,” Lampe said. “We hope it will culminate each year in a 501 day.” And yes, there’s merch! “We are selling merchandise through RockCityOutfitters.com and you can go on their site and buy shirts,” Lampe said. Once on the site, click on “More,” then you’ll see the “501 Day Collection.” “You can’t celebrate 501 Day all day if you don’t start in the morning!” said Kim Williams, director of the Conway Downtown Partnership. “Start the day off right with breakfast at any one of our fabulous downtown breakfast places.” If you are part of a civic or community group, a nonprofit or a business, get creative and inspire neighbors to get out of the house, while practicing COVID-19 safety. The possibilities are endless if you’ll stop and let Central Arkansas whisper inspiration in your ear. Warmer temps and friendly neighbors beckon us outside, so let’s #celebrate501 together.
Businesses and communities can get on board any time leading up to May 1 and are encouraged to submit their one-day discount or event plans to one central website. • Pull up Celebrate501.com. • Click the Contact Tab and complete the form. This information will be loaded onto the website and separated by city. There is no deadline or cost to participate.
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From charming towns to abundant local businesses to beauty in its great outdoors, area code 501 is truly the center - the heart - of Arkansas. Show your pride for the natural beauty of our region with the 501 Day
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501 Day Cookies made by Julies Sweet Shoppe
Don't miss these 501 Day
Sweet Specials CONWAY Can’t celebrate 501 Day if you don’t start in the morning! Start the day off right with breakfast at one of our fabulous downtown breakfast places. At noon, we will explore downtown with our new Historic Downtown Walking Tour. That afternoon, we encourage you to shop downtown, with deals including $5.01 off purchases at Golden Girls. Cross Creek Sandwich Shop has six cookies for $5.01. Blue Barn Bakery is offering $5.01 off any purchase of $30 or more, plus free Arkansas cookies!
HEBER SPRINGS Celebrate 501 with the people who help make the heart of Arkansas great! Join us for a fun 501 Maker’s Market on the square.
30 | 501 LIFE April 2021
HOT SPRINGS
SHERWOOD
Smith’s Lakefront Cabins, located feet from Lake Hamilton, is offering a discount of $5.01 per night beginning May 1.
The Sherwood Chamber of Commerce and the city of Sherwood will host a familyfriendly event at the newly established entertainment district, with activities from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. and then a concert featuring Cliff & Susan.
NORTH LITTLE ROCK Celebrate 501 Day at Funland Amusement Park in Burns Park with special discounts, including unlimited ride admission for $5.01 and specials on food and drink. The Burns Park Golf Course will reduce green fees to $5.01 beginning at 2 p.m. The Arkansas Inland Maritime Museum is offering $5.01 tours of the USS Razorback and the USS Hoga tugboat! Get your crawfish fix at The Boil Food Truck with one pound of crawfish for $5.01 from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. Satisfy Your 501 Day sweet tooth at the Crepe Coop Food Truck and get one of their sweet crepes for $5.01.
SEARCY The Main Street Searcy Farmers' Market will have 501 Day deals from 8 a.m. through noon on the east side of the courthouse square. Rockin’ Arkansas Vendor Events (R.A.V.E.) will host a 501 Day vendor and craft fair with food trucks and live music!
Don't miss your chance to save on 501 LIFE for 501 Day! From April 20 through May 1 -
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MUSIC
UCA Percussionists (from left): Mateo Paláez, Emily Johnson, Demarcius Foreman, Hayden Couch, Barry Kohr, Monica Tobar, Dylan Better, Aaron Forrester, John Hawk, David Parker, Simon Podsiadlik, Steven Simmermon, Vivienne Boudreaux, Anna Mellick, Noah Mellick, Craig Peck, Aaron Breeding and Cordell Templeton.
Music to their ears
Demarcius Foreman at drum set.
T
he University of Central Arkansas percussion section’s hearts are beating faster after a generous gift of new percussion instruments from philanthropist Katherine Scott.
Last month, the instruments arrived and Dr. Blake Tyson and his students felt like it was Christmas morning. They unpacked and assembled the drums, xylophones, vibraphones, Malletech marimbas, Zildjian cymbals and a gong.
Malletech vibraphone donated by Katherine Scott.
“Mrs. Scott’s generous donation will make it possible for percussionists at UCA to learn and perform on beautiful, responsive, professional-quality instruments,” Tyson said. “In just over a year, we will move them into the new Katherine Scott Percussion Suite in the Windgate Center for Fine and Performing Arts.” Scott is a longtime champion of the Southern arts community and has supported various performing and visual arts initiatives for decades, according to Gunnar A. Bartlett, director of development for the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences at UCA. “We are fortunate Mrs. Scott has turned her sights toward our institution and our incredible students who are so deserving of her philanthropy,” he said. “These gifts will impact our students for generations to come and will set them up for considerable success beyond their time at our institution.” If you are interested in supporting student success at UCA, please contact
Vivienne Boudreaux plays marimba.
32 | 501 LIFE April 2021
Gunnar Bartlett at 501.852.0778 or gbartlett1@uca.edu.
FAITH
When Easter is nowhere
T
he full force of Easter is nearing — arriving this year on the first Sunday of this month. Where does it find you? We often find ourselves buried under the weight of information and images and sounds, causing our senses to dull, leaving our dreams destroyed, our hopes dashed, and our spirits crushed. It seems Easter gets buried under all of this and we often miss it.
What do you do when Easter is nowhere? I think the answer might be found in the word nowhere. Take the same seven letters n-o-w-h-e-r-e, keep the same order. Make one little change. Place a space between the “w” and the “h” and you get “now here.” Easter is NOW HERE. The Resurrected One is always now here: always with us, always going before us, leading us, always teaching us, and always delivering us. I can hear some of you honestly responding with, “But I don’t believe the Easter story.” I completely understand. The water is deep here, but only because we must wade around in the shadows of human understanding. The resurrection, by its very nature, defies all human constructs, no matter how well it’s thought out. I can’t explain it, and I am sufficiently wise not to try. But maybe this will help — you don’t explain love—you embrace it! You don’t prove power — you experience it! You don’t prove life — you live it! In the same manner, you can’t explain Easter, you experience, enjoy and wonder at it.
by Donald Brazile
Simply accept that Easter is — and receive it. It has been said that if Robert Browning were to come into your life, you could write poetry; if Shakespeare were to come in, glorious dramas would fall from your pen; if Napoleon were to take possession, you could see how campaigns should be planned and how strategy should be mapped. But if the story of Easter were given central place in your life, you would experience the unfathomable expression of God’s love extended to you through the resurrection of Christ. If you look at a map of the Pacific, you’ll discover a small speck called Easter Island. It was named on Easter day in 1722 by a Dutch navigator. Because of its name, many people pay a short visit to it once a year on Easter. It is something of a novel experience. After spending the day on the island, they climb aboard their boats and go back to the mainland. The visit to Easter is over. But Easter isn’t just an island in the Pacific or a day to be visited, and there’s much more to it than dressing up and going to brunch once a year. If you’re looking for a deeper Easter experience, then consider going to church this Easter Sunday. Open your doubting, questioning heart to the miracle of Easter for the first time or maybe for the one-hundredth time, and, in that moment, you’ll realize it’s not just another boring, overrated day. What has been buried will come to the surface, and out of that place we know as “nowhere,” you’ll suddenly realize that Easter is now here.
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ENTERTAINING
Photo by Mike Kemp
34 | 501 LIFE April 2021
W
Don Bingham Recognized throughout the state as an accomplished chef, Don Bingham has authored cookbooks, presented television programs and planned elaborate events.
ith Christmas, New Year’s and Valentine celebrations behind us for another year, the beauty of Easter is fast approaching. Oh, the childhood memories of the basket, hunting eggs after church, and the delicious Easter lunch, usually ham. It was also the time for the new outfit. In former generations, it included hats and gloves to coordinate with the ladies’ spring frocks and new shirts, ties and suit coats for the guys. As my personal delight grew in all things Easter and pastel, I always managed to find the old movie “Easter Parade” and watch at least the final scenes of exquisite ladies and gentlemen parading down the avenue, hoping their new ensembles would be seen in the “rotogravure.” And I cannot reflect on Easters past without remembering the incredible church choirs, the Good Friday Services, and the sobering truths of the real meaning for the Christian faith of the cross and the resurrection. Churches were filled with Easter lillies, crosses draped in purple and white fabric, and robed choirs – all combined to complete the morning service with Handel’s “Hallelujah Chorus” from “The Messiah” and “I Know that My Redeemer Liveth” having been sung by a local and very talented soprano. In my childhood days, the local schools would dismiss on Fridays for those who were Catholic to attend Good Friday services in the local church. In my mind at least, I was Catholic for the opportunity to get out of school for the day, not having any clue of the true joy and delight of celebrating the glorious
truth of the meaning of the beautiful service. Among my favorite chocolate Easter memories would be the year Nancy and I took cooking classes at The Greenbrier in White Sulphur Springs, W.Va. This grand hotel and resort remains, to this day, an amazing icon of beauty, elegance, and charm with incredible cuisine. It was the Easter season and their in-house candy shop featured enormous chocolate eggs, decorated with royal icing flowers, swags, and drapes on the outside in Easter colors with chocolate candies on the inside – all truffles and chocolate confectioneries to be enjoyed once the large egg was opened. The vision of this remains vivid in the culinary files of my mind. Remembering this amazing chocolate feast, I ordered another egg wonder the following year, paying the price for the egg and for the shipping. The egg arrived in pieces, but it was still so exhilarating! Another fond, delicious food memory is that of this chocolate wonder called Boule de Neige. It is a decadent, dense, chocolate dessert that originally came from another cooking school called The Cloister Resort that we attended while studying with Chef Nathalie Dupree in Sea Island, Ga. The French translation is chocolate snowball. We adapted it for the Easter season dessert offering, and the ultimate chocolate Easter egg was born. The recipe is slightly intimidating, but for those who are determined culinary artists, it’s worth every ounce of energy and effort to produce. Have a blessed Easter from the Bingham family!
Boule de Neige 8 ounces semisweet chocolate 1 cup granulated sugar 1/2 cup boiling water 1 cup (2 sticks) butter, at room temperature, each cut into 6 pieces 4 large eggs 1 tablespoon cognac or rum Line a 5-cup mold or souffle dish with double thickness of foil. Place the chocolate, broken into pieces, and the sugar in the bowl of a food processor fitted with a steel blade. Turn it on and off four times to get the mixture started, then let the machine run until the chocolate is finely chopped. With the machine running, add boiling water through the feed tube. Let the machine run until the mixture is thoroughly mixed and the chocolate is melted. Add butter and process until the butter is blended completely into chocolate. Add eggs and the cognac or rum. Let the machine run 10 seconds. Pour the mixture into a prepared mold and bake at 350 degrees for 45-60 minutes until a thick crust has formed on top. The mixture will recede as it cools.
Decorations
1 cup heavy cream (or more as color choices demand for egg decoration) 2 tablespoons granulated sugar 2 teaspoons cognac or rum jelly beans, coconut, food coloring Let it cool. Wrap it airtight and refrigerate. It will keep up to two weeks and may also be frozen. To serve: Peel off the foil (the mixture will look sticky and irregular). Whip the cream until thick with an electric mixer, sweeten and flavor. Fill a pastry bag fitted with a medium size star tube; cover the mold, bottom side down, completely with rosettes so no chocolate shows. Chill until served. Cut into small slices. Makes 8-12 servings. For Easter egg: Double the whipped cream mixture. Spread whipped cream evenly over the egg-shaped chocolate mixture (mixture must be cold to shape). Divide the remaining whipped cream into various pastel colors for piping decorations on the egg.
April 2021 501lifemag.com | 35
TRAVEL
Foraging for morels in the Ozarks By Donna Benton
I
t’s springtime at last! The meadows and forests are starting to shake off winter’s gray and reawaken with buds of green and tiny fresh blooms. When winter loosens its grip and the trees start to get their first cast of green, I take to the woods. It’s not just solace from winter’s dark grasp that I seek, it’s something much more elusive. I’m in search of the mysterious morel mushroom. A fleeting tasty secret known to furry foragers and culinary connoisseurs willing to slow down a bit and explore a part of the forest that is often overlooked. Each spring in the Ozarks (the Buffalo River area is my favorite) just as the dogwood trees start to bloom (pro tip: You can always identify a dogwood by its bark), these distinctive fungi pop their heads from beneath the leaves on the forest floor. Although sage woodsmen may offer up morel hunting strategies like searching beneath ash trees on north-facing slopes, I can identify no real rhyme or reason in where to find them, except that they pop up in the same place that I found them in years past. This means that avid hunters return year after year to their most bountiful hunting spots. The location of a prolific mushroom stash is usually a closely held secret, so take any searching advice with a grain of salt. It just might be a diversion to throw you off a bit. One tip I can freely give is that when you find a morel, be sure to look around because you will probably find more nearby. Foraging for morels is kind of like nature’s Easter egg hunt. You have to have a keen eye to pick them out against the forest floor, but their distinctive honeycomb cap makes them an easily recognizable, safe choice for new mushroom hunters. And their nutty, earthy flavor makes them a prized find. Some folks like them battered and fried. I like to slice and saute them, seasoned with just a bit of salt so you don’t compete with their woodsy goodness. Try them on your favorite pasta, alongside a steak or all by themselves. If our great streams, forests, and waterfalls are not reason enough to spend a day exploring the hills and hollows of the Ozarks, give morel hunting a try. For safe morel searching tips visit mushroom-appreciation.com 36 | 501 LIFE April 2021
Ben Benton enjoys the elusive and delectable morel mushroom - a great find on a spring hike in the Ozarks.
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HEALTH
WALKING ON AIR Conway Regional has first use of lung scanner in Arkansas Portable device helps physicians detect fluid in patients’ lungs
JoLeigh Davidson, RN, demonstrates how the emergency department staff check the level of fluid in a patient’s lungs in the Conway Regional Emergency Department.
By John Patton
D
octors and nurses treating patients at Conway Regional Medical Center with congestive heart failure (CHF) now have a new tool to help provide accurate, timely care for the duration of their patient’s hospital stay. The best part for patients is that it is fast and does not cause discomfort. This new portable device is giving physicians and nurses an advantage in diagnosing and treating CHF patients who come into the emergency department. The Remote Dielectric Sensing (ReDS) system uses a noninvasive, radar-like technology to accurately determine the amount of fluid in a patient’s lungs. It can perform a test in approximately 90 seconds. Conway Regional is the first health system in Arkansas to use the device, according to the manufacturer, Sensible Medical. Don Steely, MD, an interventional cardiologist with the Conway Regional Cardiovascular Clinic, noted that Conway Regional’s 38 | 501 LIFE April 2021
investment in the scanner is another instance in which the health system is growing to meet of the needs of the growing community. Steely said the scanner is especially helpful in determining whether a patient has CHF or asthma. “If a patient comes into the ER experiencing shortness of breath, this is a more efficient, noninvasive way of measuring the amount of water in the lungs,” he said. “It reduces the need for invasive blood tests and X-rays.” Steely explained that the device calculates the percentage of water in a patient’s lungs by measuring lung tissue density. The higher the density of the tissue, the larger the volume of water. Steely said the ReDS lung scanner enables the staff to monitor the progress of CHF patients while they are in the hospital. While ReDS is not recommended in every situation, it can be a reliable system for many patients who are experiencing breathing issues.
Nurses’ Perspective “We use ReDS on a weekly basis in the inpatient and outpatient settings,” said Amanda Irby, RN, Conway Regional’s Director of Emergency and Critical Care Services. “It helps us ensure our patients are being treated quickly and accurately, and it also helps us make sure the patient is ready for discharge at the appropriate time.” JoLeigh Davidson, RN, in the emergency department, is one of the nurses who uses the lung scanner on a regular basis. “It’s so helpful — it is great with our patients who have heart failure,” said Davidson. “Not only does it give us a percentage of how much fluid is in the lungs, it also provides a protocol that helps us plan care for the patient based on that percentage.” Davidson describes the ReDS scanner as an extra tool that speeds up patient care.
“It’s very quick,” she said. “It fits on the outside of the chest, and we make sure it is positioned to get an accurate reading. It is not invasive at all.” She also noted that it gives the staff the ability to quickly monitor the day-to-day care of patients with fluid buildup on their lungs. If the result is less than 20 percent, the patient may be dehydrated. If the fluid percentage is in the normal range of 20 to 35 percent, basic lab tests or chest X-rays may be needed to determine why the patient is experiencing breathing issues. If the fluid percentage is 36 percent or higher, physicians may want to prescribe medication or take other medical action to reduce the fluid buildup. Steely emphasized that by providing innovative tools such as the lung scanner, Conway Regional not only helps him diagnose and treat patients but also, “provides cuttingedge care with a heart.” April 2021 501lifemag.com | 39
TRAVEL
40 | 501 LIFE April 2021
Story and photos by Bill Patterson
I
have had a fascination with Blanchard Springs Caverns since visiting there as a youth. The caves first opened the Dripstone Trail in 1973. I made my first trip soon after with a youth group. We toured the caves, went swimming in the springs and camped at the state park campgrounds. Located in Stone County, approximately 2 miles off Arkansas 14 near Mountain View, this natural wonder fascinates visitors of all ages. The caves are filled with stalactites, stalagmites and columns, These crystalline formations are formed by minerals deposited by dripping water. The caverns are also home to the one of the largest flowstones in the world. Flowstones are composed of sheetlike deposits of calcite or other carbonate minerals, formed where water flows down the walls or along the floors of a cave. The cave stays at 58 degrees year round, so it’s a great way to stay cool on a hot summer day. Blanchard Springs also features camping, fishing, and swimming areas, as well as a beautiful spring from which Blanchard Springs gets its name. Hiking and biking trails and other scenic beauty are close by. I remember another trip as a student at UCA. We were touring the caves as part of a science class. When we finished, the guide asked if we had any questions. Someone asked how long the caves had existed. I was expecting a more specific scientific answer, but he said with authority, “Years and years.”
One of the world's largest flowstones is at Blanchard Springs Caverns At presstime, the caverns were closed due to COVID-19 precautions. Representatives say they are awaiting guidance and have plans to reopen soon. For information about tours, costs and reservations, please call Blanchard Springs Caverns gift shop at 870.757.2211. April 2021 501lifemag.com | 41
FITNESS
Spring is finally here, which means now is the perfect time for all of us to get outdoors and enjoy all that the Natural State has to offer.
Wellness Programs Director, Assistant to the Athletic Director at Hendrix College.
Richland Creek Wilderness at Twin Falls in Sand Gap (Pope County.) Crafton Fowler (from left), Kade McCracken and Will Virden.
O
ver the course of this past year, we have all faced many challenges in trying to navigate this new way of living, with finding a safe way to exercise being one of them. However, as with most things in life, we can see the silver lining if we choose to look for it. The silver lining for my family, and for many others, is that it showed us that being active outside is not only productive, but also extremely fun and safe. Here are a few of my favorite activities to do in the 501:
TAKING A DAY HIKE Pinnacle Mountain State Park is just west of Little Rock and is one of my favorites because it offers several different trails for people of all fitness levels. One of the most popular trails, and my family’s personal favorite, is the West Summit Trail. We pack a couple of backpacks full of water and snacks and hike to the top, where you get to see one of the state’s most beautiful scenes overlooking the Arkansas River. Standing at more than 1,000 feet high, that view is something that will never get old!
FINDING A LOCAL SWIMMING SPOT Central Arkansas is full of swimming holes that are perfect for families to enjoy on a warm spring day. Woolly Hollow State Park is one of these hidden gems. It is just north of Conway in Greenbrier on Lake Bennett. 42 | 501 LIFE April 2021
The best part about this park is that you can finish the day off with a hike or a mountain biking adventure around the Enders Fault Trail. Of course, make sure your family consists of experienced swimmers and be sure to play it safe.
BIKING OR WALKING/RUNNING ON A TRAIL One of the things my family and I did the most this last spring was going for bike rides, walks, and even some runs on the trails around Conway. One of these trails is the Tucker Creek Trail. On a few different occasions, we parked our car at Walmart off of Dave Ward and biked to Chick-Fil-A, where we enjoyed a picnic lunch in the open field next to the trail. Tucker Creek Trail is so convenient with various entrances and parking lots throughout its 3.1-mile stretch. There are many trails just like it in nearly every Central Arkansas city. I think we can all agree that we are extremely blessed to live in a state with so many opportunities to be active outdoors. From hiking and biking to canoeing and kayaking, Arkansas has it all. This spring, I challenge you to get outside and explore the area around you. I promise it will help you to better navigate living in these unnatural times while taking in all that the Natural State has to offer.
INSPIRATION
Christ of the Ozarks in Eureka Springs.
Spiritual day trips By Mark McDonald
I
t was only a few years ago that I began to hear more and more about “staycations” — stay-at-home vacations. The idea was to forgo the stress and expense of a long vacation and simply enjoy where we are. Now, that trend is more common thanks to the pandemic, and it has brought many of us to a realization: We live in a state filled with beauty we have taken for granted. This month, 501 LIFE is focusing on “Day Trips.” From a practical side, we are certainly grateful to be able to travel a little and get out of the house to enjoy the Natural State and things that surround us. I have rediscovered our incredible state and national lands as I’ve ventured out looking for uncrowded day hikes — from sandy trails in the delta to the mountains and lakes of the Ozarks and Ouachitas. Each hike was an attempt to reintegrate myself back into the world without all the superficiality of everyday life. We often go along with our day-to-day lives in a world
we’ve created to represent order, control and convenience. Hiking reminds me that I’m part of something much greater and that even the “brokenness” finds purpose. The fallen tree may be an inconvenience that we want to clear from our lives, but it is also the beginning of new life as insects, birds and even new trees find their beginnings. There is an even greater challenge hidden within this practical guide: We often live our spiritual lives in much the same way. We want our spiritual relationships to be ordered and fashioned for convenience, and sometimes we miss the depth and power that is all around us. We cover up death and brokenness without realizing that they can bring new understanding and growth. Fortunately, just as we don’t have to travel far to experience state and national forests, we don’t have to go far to find depth for our souls During the pandemic, many people have grown closer to God, their family and friends, simply because they stayed closer to home.
When we can’t gather in buildings designed for order, control and convenience, we turn back to this depth that is — and was — around us all the time. We search holy scriptures and struggle with them in our hearts and minds. We talk to others about our struggles and hopes. We pray without being led to do so. Now, imagine life in our houses of worship where we can appreciate disorder, letting go of control and the inconveniences life may bring to us! It might surprise you to learn that Christianity began in a tumultuous world that was trying to make everything look ordered, controlled and convenient. Jesus’ ministry took place in a land the size of New Jersey. He didn’t travel far from home, yet he showed many how this crazy, disordered world is actually a sign of a greater, deeper life that awaits us. Maybe it’s time for a spiritual day trip! April 2021 501lifemag.com | 43
ENERGY SMART
My Life, Powered by Conway Corp Poster, Essay & Video Contest
E
lectricity powers our lives. We rely on it 24 hours a day, seven days
a week to support the life we enjoy. Conway Corp has been powering our community since 1929, and we’re proud to provide dependable and reliable services to our friends and neighbors. Consider a chargeable gadget like your cellphone, the clock radio that jolts you awake, or the TV that brings you the latest entertainment. The water heater that keeps your shower hot and the refrigerator that keeps your soft drinks cold. The automatic sprinkler system that keeps your lawn green and the toaster that turns your bread a crisp, golden
Beth Jimmerson
brown. The washing machine that sends you off in clean clothes and
A long-time Conway resident, Beth McCullough Jimmerson is the manager for marketing and communications for Conway Corp. She has a bachelor’s degree from the University of Central Arkansas and a master’s degree from the University of Arkansas. She can be reached at beth.jimmerson@ conwaycorp.com.
the automatic garage door that welcomes you safely home – it’s all powered by Conway Corp. What powers your day? Students, show us how Conway Corp powers your life by entering the seventh annual Conway Corp Energy Smart Poster, Essay & Video Contest.
44 | 501 LIFE April 2021
POSTER CONTEST The poster contest is open to students in pre-K through fourth grade in Conway. Posters should illustrate the contest theme “My Life, Powered by Conway Corp” using markers, crayons, colored pencils or paint. Entries will be judged on creativity and theme representation. Prizes will be awarded to students, and the classroom of the overall winner will be awarded $ 100 in that student’s name along with a Conway Corp pizza party.
ESSAY & VIDEO CONTEST The essay and video contest is open to students in fifth through 12th grades in Conway. Students should submit a typed essay of 500 to 1,000 words or a digital video between 30 seconds and 2 minutes on the contest theme “My Life, Powered by Conway Corp.” Essays will be judged on content and syntax. Videos will be judged on creativity and production. Cash prizes will be awarded to winners in two age categories: fifth through seventh and eighth through 12th grades. All winning submissions will be featured on Conway Corp’s website and social media. Winning essays will be published in the 501 Life August 2021 edition. All students who live in the Conway Corp service area are eligible for entry. Students can ask school officials or visit ConwayCorp.com/ EnergySmartContest for an entry form and contest rules. Poster and essay entries should be submitted to participating teachers or postmarked to Conway Corp, P.O. Box 99, Conway AR 72033 by Monday, April 19. Essay entries can be shared via Google Docs or emailed to marketing@ myconwaycorp.tv. Video entries must be shared via Google Docs. A copy of the entry form with contact information must accompany all electronic submissions. Please put “2021 Energy Smart Contest” in the subject line. For more information about the contest including entry forms and complete rules, visit ConwayCorp.com/EnergySmart or call 501-450-6000.
The 2020 winning poster by Brock Fimple, who was in fourth grade at Ida Burns at the time of the contest.
April 2021 501lifemag.com | 45
COLUMNIST
Over the river and through the woods
Vivian Lawson Hogue A native of Conway, Vivian Lawson Hogue graduated from the University of Central Arkansas with a degree in art education. A retired teacher, she worked in the Conway School District for 23 years. She can be reached at vhogue@ conwaycorp.net.
46 | 501 LIFE April 2021
n the golden years of our local newspaper, there were things that caught a young or mature reader’s eye. At a very young age, I was, of course, interested in the comics, but also in the “society section.” There were articles that would not be found today. Often an edition had a short list of divorces at the bottom of the page. They were not generally the talk of the town back then, but they didn’t have to be. Those notices included the names, dates and the reason for the divorce, with desertion and/or adultery being the most common. Also on that page were death notices, birth notices and social events that were usually about people of a higher social standing than those who lived in our house. I recall not envying them for their station in life, but I did wish I could have seen the flowers from someone’s garden “in fluted, crystal vases” and tasted the “dainties and tea” that were served on fine china. I imagined the gossamer dresses, white gloves, seamed hosiery,
spectator pumps and straw hats seen around the tables after china and starched napkins were removed and the lively bridge games began. Maids in starched uniforms moved stealthily and efficiently about the room. Some older homes still had floor buttons to signal the kitchen that guests were ready to dine or that more tea was needed. There were short blurbs that told of these same people and their vacations. Normally they visited points afar, meaning out of our town or state. They would tell of three-course meals, snacks and drinks on airplanes. Others chose cruises. After driving to the airport in Little Rock, they would then travel to a cruise destined for England or France or Hawaii, which was not yet a state. Most other flights were to Chicago, Florida, California or New York and other East Coast points. Our vacations were in our own backyard. Our dad worked for the government and was infrequently home with irregular travel days. We occasionally went up to my grandparents’ home in the northeast hills and that was vacation enough for me. In our Norman Rockwell-style 1939 Buick and my dad white-knuckling it at 50 miles an hour on twoway highways, it would be more than a daytrip. The most dreaded part was going over the long one-way, rattle-clackety wooden-slatted swinging bridge. I think that’s probably where I learned to pray. Hard. With my eyes closed and fingers tightly entwined. When we reached our grandparents’ cool, wooded property, we
enjoyed the tin roof of their cabin on rainy nights and grandmother’s cooking done on her wood-burning stove. Several yards from the cabin was a cool, magnesium-rich creek known on the map as Lawson Creek. Near the springhouse, we caught crawdads using safety pins tied to a string with pieces of biscuits skewered on the sharp end. We would place the lures near a stone or batch of watercress and wait for the little crustaceans to come out. Take my word that we practiced catchand-release. It never occurred to us that anyone would ever want to eat the nasty things! We watched water-skater bugs, never knowing the science behind their ability to not sink. We preferred to think it was magic. Inside the springhouse, we sneaked peeks at grandmother’s eggs, cow’s milk, butter and watermelons kept any time of year in the always58-degree water. On summer nights, we slept on cots in the cabin’s dogtrot, and piled into feather beds on winter nights. We did not have dainty dishes and tea, but we did have vinegar pies, Tennessee stack cakes, fried grits, iron-skillet fried chicken, and “choked” biscuits and gravy. Nothing commercial and everything fresh, non-GMO, and mostly gluten-free. No maids, flowers or fancy dresses. It was do-it-yourself clean-up for the cook who wore a flour-sack dress, sensible shoes and a handmade apron.
We enjoyed our grandparents’ similar manners of living of our several Mayflower ancestors [who landed in 1620], although we did not know that at the time. Our grandparents’ hardscrabble lives in the hills and some of the old English language came down to them and their family. Looking back, it was like our own mini-vacation to see life similar to that of 1620 and be reminded of the Lawson clan’s trek from Virginia to North Carolina, Tennessee and finally to Arkansas and Lawson Creek. A vacation can be that simple. It is, after all, meant to be a diversion from the usual scene and daily tasks. Day or overnight trips within the state can satisfy that want or need. The sight of the lakes and rivers and forested hills of the northeast, north and west areas can be breathtaking. The corn, soybeans, sorghum and tree farms of the east and south hold interest for those who are not aware of the vast acreages of those needed products. The central part of the state includes the core of our early government and business entrepreneurship. The six primary regions have their own cultures that make us Arkansans. And they’re all “just up the road a ways.” As my grandmother would firmly say, “Jus’ be sure and close the gate when you take your leave.” April 2021 501lifemag.com | 47
TRAVEL
48 | 501 LIFE April 2021
Day at the races continued on page 50
Day at the races continued from page 49
O
aklawn Park opened on February 1905. The city declared a holiday to mark the occasion, and more than 3,000 people attended the first day of racing. Live racing at Oaklawn still runs from January to May more than 100 years later in Hot Springs. Oaklawn’s racing season is highlighted by the Arkansas Derby, which is a leading prep race for horse racing's Triple Crown. I made my first trip to Oaklawn during my college years. To this day, I enjoy going to Oaklawn Park for the beauty of the horses. These majestic animals are a joy to experience. I also enjoy watching the interaction of owners, trainers and jockeys all doing their best to reach the winner’s circle. The excitement and anticipation of the race never fails to get your heart pumping. That is why there is nothing better than a beautiful spring day at Oaklawn Park.
50 | 501 LIFE April 2021
April 2021 501lifemag.com | 51
501 KIDS
By Kellie Bishop
One of the only places in the world where the public can search for real diamonds in their original volcanic source, Crater of Diamonds is a one-of-a-kind experience that brings people from all over the world to Murfreesboro, Arkansas - photo courtesy of Arkansas Tourism.
T
The view from historic Mather Lodge at Petit Jean State Park.
The Diamond Mine Coaster at Magic Springs Theme and Water Park.
52 | 501 LIFE April 2021
he past year has left many people yearning for a vacation or trip of some kind. However, money remains tight for a lot of people, and there is still the need for extra caution due to the pandemic. Luckily, we live in an area that allows for wonderful day-trip opportunities that can provide fun for the whole family! If your family enjoys the outdoors, take a ride up to Petit Jean Mountain. The drive is beautiful, and there is a coffeehouse that can provide your morning pick-me-up, as well as baked breakfast items. Stop in and browse the array of locally sourced products for sale within the store, grab a coffee for the adults and hot chocolate for the kids, pick up a scone or muffin, and head out to enjoy the rest of the mountain. There are many different hiking trails for all levels from beginner to advanced and you’ll also find opportunities for fishing, playground playtime and camping. You can end the day with dinner at Mather Lodge overlooking the beautiful scenery of the mountain. This is a beautiful, budget-friendly day-trip option. There are other great day-trip destinations around the state if you would like to drive a little farther away. Eureka Springs is a popular destination for many day trips or weekend getaways. There are cute cabins you can stay in, an animal refuge, and many unique shops to explore. Hot Springs is another popular daytrip spot for Arkansans. Here you will find Oaklawn Gaming and Casino, Garvan
Woodland Gardens, Magic Springs, the famous bathhouses, and many unique shops and restaurants. You can head out with the family early in the day, spend the day doing activities and shopping around the city, and then grab dinner at one of the many local restaurants in Hot Springs before heading home. If your family is interested in a unique, fun activity that you won’t find many places, take a ride to Murfreesboro and dig for diamonds at Crater of Diamonds State Park. This is the only diamond mine in the United States where the public can dig for gems and keep what they find. This can be both educational and fun. When the weather is warm and you are seeking a water activity, you may enjoy floating the Buffalo or White Rivers. You can access them in northern Arkansas, such as in Harrison at the Buffalo River National Park. There are many small towns in the area with cabins along the river where your family can stay for the weekend. Back in the fall, my family rented a house in Mountain Home, where the two rivers meet, and it was absolutely beautiful. We could relax, hike, fish, or just walk around outdoors and enjoy the beauty of the region. While it may seem that the world has stopped and there is nothing to do anymore, this could not be further from the truth for us here in the 501. We are within driving distance of many fantastic day or weekend trips. Hopefully, these suggestions will help your family have fun exploring the state.
501 KIDS
501 LIFE KID OF THE MONTH
Cayleb Stobaugh Age: 12. City: Cleveland. School and Grade Level: Wonderview Elementary School fourth-grader.
Favorite Subject: PE. My Family: Lyndsey and Anthony Stacy (mom and
stepdad); Sadie and Marcus Stobaugh (stepmom and dad). Siblings: Bently, Madeline and William Stobaugh; Caleb, Maggie and Ally Stacy; and Blaine Burkner. Favorite Meal: Lays potato chips and chicken. Most Cherished Possession: PS4. Hobbies/Extracurricular Activities: Cayleb loves to play basketball and games, spend time with family and go on vacations. “He is respectful all the time, kind to all of his peers and teachers, and does an excellent job with all of the work he has to do,” Brenda Chaney, Wonderview teacher. “He’s an all-around good student, willing to help others. He always works hard and excels at anything he tries to do,” Robin Stobaugh, Wonderview teacher.
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April 2021 501lifemag.com | 53
EDUCATION
Pulaski County Special School District
Finding the right choice for your kids’ education By Jessica Duff
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Elementary students learn about voting 54 | 501 LIFE April 2021
he Pulaski County Special School District is now registering students for the 2021-2022 school year and will, once again, participate in Arkansas school choice next school year. The Arkansas School Choice program enables a student in kindergarten through grade 12 to attend a school in a nonresident district. PCSSD’s mission is to provide equity and excellence for all students through rigorous college and career readiness instructional strategies. We serve 27 schools in Maumelle, Little Rock and Sherwood. Those 27 schools include 16 elementary schools, five middle school campuses, five high school campuses and, new for the 20212022 school year, an online K-12 school, DRIVEN. Particularly in the Maumelle area are three elementary schools, Crystal Hill Elementary, Oak Grove Elementary, and Pine Forest Elementary; one middle school, Maumelle Middle; and one high school, Maumelle High. If you live in the Maumelle area, you are zoned for one of these PCSSD schools. DRIVEN is a two-part platform within the district that includes the School of Opportunity and the Virtual Academy. The DRIVEN concept engages students in online and in-person learning to meet students where they are and allow them to work at their own pace. DRIVEN Virtual Academy (DVA) will serve students in homeschool or who are homebound due to health or social-emotional issues. DVA will also serve students whose families must travel often or are involved in extracurricular activities and desire a more flexible option through online or accelerated learning. Blended learning and extended, in-person tutoring opportunities will add other resources to support students and families. DVA students may participate in PCSSD extracurricular activities upon meeting academic requirements. School choice opens PCSSD schools to families outside district lines, allowing students to be a part of our school family, no matter their neighborhood. “PCSSD is the place to be because we take your child’s education personally,” said Dr. Janice Warren, assistant superintendent for Equity and Pupil Services. “We focus on all children and how to prepare them for success.” Schools within PCSSD offer unique opportunities for students of all ages and abilities. We strive to prepare students for life, cultivate
Maumelle High School administrative team. future leaders, strengthen our communities, and drive innovation in the classroom. Every school within the district focuses on AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) and PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports). AVID increases student engagement while activating a deeper level of learning in the classroom. This initiative emphasizes rigorous coursework, relevance of instruction, and relationships. It also prepares every student with a mindset of college potential. AVID is used in all elementary and secondary schools across PCSSD and adapted to fit each grade level. AVID has also re-energized teachers and staff members because they are also learning practical, immediately useful tools and instructional strategies which allows them to cultivate a growth mindset both for themselves and their students. PBIS focuses on teaching behavioral
REGISTER NOW pcssd.org/register
expectations, just as teachers teach about other subjects. PBIS changes the focus to prevention instead of punishment. This aims to improve school safety and promote positive behavior with the understanding that kids can only meet behavior expectations if they know the expectations. The PBIS initiative improves social and academic outcomes for the student, schools experience reduced exclusionary discipline practices, and school personnel feel more effective. In addition to a quality education, students who attend Maumelle have the opportunity to participate in extracurricular activities such as archery, band, baseball, basketball, cheer, cross country/track and field, DECA, Family, Career and Community Leaders of America, fishing, football, forensics, Genders and Sexualities Alliance, National Honor Society, science club, soccer club, Spanish club, theater and dance, thespian honor society, volleyball,
and yearbook staff. Applications will be accepted through May 1. If you have specific questions related to registration and school choice within PCSSD, please contact the Office of Equity and Pupil Services at 501-234-2021.
About PCSSD Pulaski County Special School District spans more than 600 square miles in central Arkansas and requires highly skilled and passionate personnel to adapt educational policies and personalization to 25 schools. Every school is accredited by the Arkansas State Board of Education. PCSSD has served schools across Pulaski County since July 1927. PCSSD is committed to creating a nationally recognized school district that assures that all students achieve at their maximum potential through collaborative, supportive and continuous efforts of all stakeholders.
CHOOSE PCSSD April 2021 501lifemag.com | 55
CONWAY NEIGHBORS Youth of the Month
NATIVE OF: Conway. AGE: 16/Junior at Conway Human Development Center (CHDC). WHAT DO YOU DO FOR FUN: Playing football and basketball, running, going to school, video games, hanging out with my friends, playing football with my dad, arm wrestling with my older brother, swimming, practicing sports with my coaches and team members, playing with my dogs and going on hikes with my team.
Isaiah Duvall
Special Olympics Arkansas (SOAR) is part of the world’s largest year-round program of athletic training and Olympic-style competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. Similar to the Olympics, the SOAR games kick off with a torch run that begins around the state and ends by the lighting of the Flame of Hope at a stadium where SOAR games will be held. Law enforcement officers are the main runners who carry the torches.
On June 14, officers with the Law Enforcement Torch Run will be wearing Isaiah’s T-shirt design when they begin carrying the Flame of Hope from all four corners of the state. On June 17, the runners will converge on the state Capitol steps at 9:30 a.m. to join their flames in a ceremonial lighting. Runners will then take off on the Final Leg, a continuous 50-mile run to Harding University in Searcy, where the Summer Games will be held. Usually, the Flame of Hope comes through Conway and CHDC on its way to the opening ceremonies.
ISAIAH'S T-SHIRT DESIGN WON FOR THIS YEAR’S SOAR SUMMER GAMES. "An officer called my coach and asked if a few of us might have a design for the torch run." Isaiah said. "I asked Danielle Dority (CHDC teacher assistant) to help
56 | 501 LIFE April 2021
CHURCH ACTIVITIES: Chapel at CHDC. FAMILY: Terry Duvall (dad), Shannon Duvall (mom), two sisters and three brothers. PETS: Two dogs named Hero and Cassady. MOST CHERISHED POSSESSION: My family and friends. DO YOU COMPETE IN SPECIAL OLYMPICS? Yes. Flag Football (my favorite), basketball, softball, running track and floor hockey.
me. I asked her about a guardian theme and when we started talking, we came up with the knight with a shield. We both looked at themes of guardians and I picked out the one I liked the best, and then I designed it with Danielle’s help. I am happy that the torch runners ask me to help out with the T-shirt design. I would love to help them carry the torch when they run all over Arkansas since I love to run. I love our law enforcement also." The shirt is a fundraiser for the SOAR Summer Games which will be held June 24-26. At this time, it is unknown whether spectators will be able to attend, but you can check for updates at the “Special Olympics Arkansas” Facebook page or Instagram @SOArkansas.
501 KIDS
Brittany Gilbert Brittany Gilbert is a former FACS teacher at Maumelle High School. She and her husband, Levi, have three children and live in Conway. Brittany can be reached at b.gilbert37@gmail.com.
T
he season of travel is almost upon us. Whether you travel near or far, oftentimes you have to prepare in the same way whenever you have kids. And traveling during COVID-19 adds a new wrinkle into the mix. Whether we were going two hours away, or 10, often our van looked just as crowded with stuff. Traveling with kids can be stressful. Here are a few tips to hopefully make the experience smooth and sweet. Load them up with activities. Some people even go so far as to wrap games and activities to make it more special. Spread out the activities depending on the length of the trip. One popular idea is to give a new activity every hour. This way it cuts down on boredom and complaining. If you’ve ever gone on a trip many hours away, you know the reality of kids asking, “Are we there yet?” many, many times. It’s really helpful to reach in a bag and pull out a new snack, activity, book, puzzle, etc. Take a potty-training toilet in case you’re unable to stop somewhere. We took a short trip in the 501 area a few months ago, and naturally our kids needed to use the restroom. We weren’t anywhere near a restroom. Be prepared with cleaning supplies and baby wipes, too. Give the kids trays to put on their laps. You can find these all over the place and in many different forms. Several years ago, I wrote an article about turning a cookie sheet into a tray that you could secure to a car seat. The
cookie sheet costs about a dollar, and other pieces were also super cheap. We had those for years! Recently I purchased some plastic lap trays from the Target bullseye area for $5 each. These are nice because there is space for markers, snacks or whatever you want. There are also more expensive trays that can be purchased online. These trays are ideal for car trips of any length. Kids can eat on them, draw on them, build puzzles, etc. Plan your media options beforehand. We make sure we have lots of video/movie options for our kids. We download them and have them ready to go on an iPad. We prop the iPad up in the car and make sure it’s charged. When we get where we’re going, we don’t want our kids on screens, therefore, lots of movie time in the car is OK with us. If you don’t want your kids watching shows during your trip, there are other things you can do. We also love to let our kids take turns picking music. They’re usually working on an activity book that they just got for the trip, so listening to their favorite movie soundtrack is something my kids really enjoy. I grew up taking lots of road trips because my parents lived in different states. I was introduced to my favorite music, fun conversations that I might not have had otherwise, games with my siblings, etc. My advice is to not shy away from road trips because you don’t want to deal with bad attitudes or dread. In order to have experiences as a family, you have to figure out how to work through those issues. I vaguely remember dreading my three-hour road trips, but more than anything, I remember the conversations, the games, the music and
the food. Enjoy the 501 and any place you want to go outside of it. In a crazy time, you deserve to get out and explore what’s out there. Be safe!
get f ra m e d at
Pa t t e r s o n E y e C a re
2505 Donaghey, Ste 102 • Conway, AR
501.450.9900
pattersoneyecare.com
April 2021 501lifemag.com | 57
Van Buren County: Jack McKnight
Dr. Robert Reising Dr. Robert Reising retired from the University of Central Arkansas in 2013 after holding a variety of teaching, coaching and administrative posts during more than a halfcentury in education. His doctoral dissertation at Duke treated literature and sports.
He was disappointed, not despondent. Even after multiple surgeries by a world-famous orthopedist had failed to restore long-term effectiveness to his pitching arm, he refused to be discouraged. His obstacles simply challenged him to locate a second path to success and satisfaction in baseball, the sport he has loved since boyhood. In 2021, developing the skills of young players with aspirations resembling his own decades ago continues to be more than exhilarating and gratifying. He has “found his calling,” he contends. He feels “blessed … that he is providing a service to God.”
J
onathan Andrew “Jack” McKnight was born on June 7 into a sports-loving family in Alvin, Texas, during his father’s 1961 baseball season with the minor-league Houston Buffs. Because of his parent’s peripatetic career, he was to spend two school years in Arizona, kindergarten and grade three, far from Van Buren County, where his roots run deep. “Bee Branch has always been my home,” he confesses today. In that community, he attended Southside High and graduated in 1979, a star and letter winner in basketball as well as baseball. An academic year and a baseball season at the two-year college in Fort Smith, where he pitched for legendary coach Bill Crowder, preceded a professional contract with the Toronto Blue Jays. Valued as an advanced pitcher, Jack never toiled in the low minor leagues. His first two seasons saw him register winning seasons and a 24 and 14 winloss record, with earned-run-averages (ERA’s) below 4.0, at Class A stops: Florence, S.C., and Kinston, N.C. A successful professional career appeared to have been handsomely launched.
McKnignt (from left), Tommy Gonzales and Barry Bonds. 58 | 501 LIFE April 2021
But Class AA baseball initially proved daunting. His third professional season provided him with more losses than wins and an ERA over 4. He quickly silenced doubts about his potential, however, when in 1984 he rebounded to an 11 and 8 mark, accompanied by his third less-than-4 ERA. After season’s end, Toronto officials requested he undergo surgery to remove bone spurs from his right arm - his pitching arm. There was no injury, only discomfort. Dr. James Andrews, the internationally respected orthopedic surgeon, completed what Jack terms “the cleanup” weeks before 1985’s spring training. Yet another superb season followed: a 10win, 5-loss record, with his best-ever 2.95 ERA. Accompanying the quality performance were a late-summer trade to the San Francisco Giants and promotion to their most advanced minor-league franchise: AAA Phoenix. There, at age 24, he was on the brink of earning a roster spot on an historically competitive National League team. He was but one step away from “The Bigs.”
The McKnight family: Jack (from left), Ryan, Jack, Austin, Cody and Fischer in front. The 1986 season that he hoped would graduate him to a place on the Giants’ pitching staff instead produced his worst performance to date. A 6 and 12 record - twice as many losses as wins - and an ERA ballooning toward 7 had as companions a personal high of 10 wild pitches and more walks, 73, than strikeouts, 62. Jack vowed 1987 would be better, that it would prove him worthy of a place on the parent club. Spring training, however, harbingered a vastly different scenario. Within weeks of its start, pain wracked his right arm and shoulder after taking him to a 2 and 0 win-loss mark, and it failed to disappear with the start of the season. By late July, he could throw no more, and Dr. Andrews’ skills were again necessary, this time to free him from the agony of throwing. Not optimistic, the Giants released Jack. Believing him healed, St. Louis immediately signed him to a 1988 contract. The Cardinals miscalculated. In spring training, the difficulties of the previous spring reappeared, and a third surgery by the “athletecentric” doctor was demanded, this one similar to, but no more effective than, the previous one. Nonetheless, the Philadelphia Phillies invited him to join them in spring training the following February. Jack declined. He knew he had thrown his last pitch in professional baseball. He had attended five Major League spring training camps but never once survived a final cut despite a winning season at each of organized baseball’s three highest minor-league levels and an overall 61-win and 53-loss mark. He retired without ever throwing a pitch in the Major Leagues. He refused to be disillusioned, however. He quickly fastened upon an opportunity at his alma mater in Fort Smith to improve the school’s pitchers. Except for a few years in other ventures, Jack has remained a teacher of baseball players, middle school through college, currently offering lessons through Applied Velocity, a training facility in Greenbrier. He labels his calling “a dream come true.” Van Buren County and the 501 are proud of the native son who prays before every lesson.
April 2021 501lifemag.com | 59
PET OF THE MONTH
Photo by Mike Kemp
Raise the woof!
Conway trainer develops dogs into better companions By Dwain Hebda
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or as long as she can remember, Pamela Padgett has owned and loved dogs. And for all of that time, she’s been trying to find a way to understand what makes them tick. “I’ve always been fascinated by dogs and by dog behavior,” said the Army vet and career anesthetist. “The scientific principles of dog behavior are what I find so interesting — that we can actually do things to effect change without having to use the old-school methods of jerking up on the leash or using an aversive method. We can use positive reinforcement and train.” About 12 years ago, Padgett decided to start training dogs professionally, a move that would lead her to found her business, Conway Canine Companions, four years later. She said she was moved to launch the business after noticing a gap in the local market. “There are many training facilities out there and individuals who 60 | 501 LIFE April 2021
still used these old-school methods that, frankly, are pretty aversive,” she said. “We had our local pet stores that offered some training, but that was kind of just something extra that they added. They didn’t have anybody solely committed to training right here in Conway.” Among the services Padgett offers through her business, and arguably the one closest to her heart, is training therapy dogs, of which she has owned two herself. She said therapy dogs are a growing presence in society as they can serve humans in a variety of situations. “The world now is so sped up and stress-ridden that we see the benefit of just being able to cuddle and snuggle a sweet animal,” she said. “It’s been long-known, the advantages of just doing that. It lowers your blood pressure, lowers your heart rate, lowers your stress level. Those are all great things.
“Compared to other parts of the world, we’re a little slow to the game. In other countries, the dogs are more a part of their lives. But we’re starting to see, and have really embraced, how dogs help our lives.” Today, therapy dogs are at work in nursing homes and health care facilities to comfort patients. They’re often seen in classrooms from kindergarten to college campuses to help reduce stress. You can even find therapy dogs at some airports to help stressed-out travelers get centered, or they may visit a school after a tragedy such as a school shooting or a suicide to help students cope. “I’ve taken one of my big German shepherds to an elementary school in Little Rock and did a presentation for some fourth graders,” Padgett said. “I’ve done a stint with the local Girl Scout organization, helping them earn badges with my dog. “Therapy Dogs International even has a subset, a smaller unit called TailWagging Tutors, where dogs are trained to sit and listen to a child read to them. It’s been shown that students who have trouble reading, if they read out loud, they get better. But it’s embarrassing, I mean, kids can be brutal. Dogs are nonjudgmental. You can sit in the corner of the library and read out loud to the dog and the dog just loves it.” Despite seeing more instances of these dogs being deployed, Padgett said people still confuse therapy dogs with service animals, or use the term interchangeably. "A service dog has to perform some function for a disabled human and they have to do that with some sort of behavior,” she said. “They are specifically trained to smell the ketones on the breath for diabetic alert dogs, to
assist during a seizure, to assist during a panic attack. The dog can’t just be present, the dog actually has to function and perform a task. “Then, there’s the emotional support animal, which is essentially a dog that’s present because I’m too anxious to be in the situation without him. That requires special certification from a mental health provider.” “Then, there are therapy dogs,” Padgett said. “That’s the one that’s most common. Therapy dogs work with their owner and then they go and provide a service to others, not the owner.” Padgett’s therapy dog training is a six-week class, but a dog’s total education could take six months or more depending on how green the animal is on prerequisite obedience skills and socialization. Once through with classes, the dog is tested to receive its credentials as a therapy dog. Padgett said the work is well worth it in the end. “I had a client once, an older woman, who actually took pictures of my dog and had them in her little apartment,” she said. “My dog got so excited every time we pulled into that driveway to visit. The lady would just sit back and she wanted to hold the leash and she wanted to pet her with her cane. Landry was a big German shepherd, she was like, ‘Pet me with your cane. I don’t care.’ "When I first got into it and I took my very first dog to my very first place for a visit, I thought I was doing it for other people. What I found is that my life was so busy that it was kind of nice for me, too. I looked forward to the visits because I could sit for an hour, or an hour and a half, and just talk to these people in the nursing home and let them love on my dog.”
April 2021 501lifemag.com | 61
WRITING
Poet Laureate of Arkansas
Jo McDougall By: Susan Peterson
pril is Poetry Month, so it is fitting that this issue features 501 area resident and poet laureate of Arkansas Jo McDougall. Born in the mid 1930s, Jo Garot grew up on a rice farm near DeWitt (Arkansas County). The farm and its environs proved to be fertile grounds that nurtured Jo’s childhood imagination. As she explored the area, she would play mind games with descriptive words. Her mother was a strong, independent woman who taught school and owned an antiques shop. Education was valued, and Jo knew that she was expected to attend college. Jo recalls “publishing” her first poem at age 12 – she wrote a poem for her father and he framed it. She knew then she wanted to continue on that path. She was a voracious reader and an exemplary student.
Jo and Charles McDougall met in high school. The two had much in common since Charles was also from a farming family. When Jo was only 19, they announced they wanted to get married. Her parents agreed, but only if Jo promised to finish college. The young couple earned their degrees from UA Fayetteville and then returned to Stuttgart to continue the tradition of rice farming. Soon their family grew to four with the additions of a son and a daughter, Duke and Charla. During the ensuing years of farm life and raising a family, Jo would write poetry at night after the children were in bed. Some of her work appeared in magazines, newspapers, and journals. But she knew she needed more help and direction in order to improve. In the 1970s, she attended a writing conference in Little Rock, and it changed her life. The University of Arkansas presenters were so motivating that she decided then and there to commit to her dream of becoming a poet. So in her 40s, Jo again returned to Fayetteville, entering the Master of Fine Arts program in creative writing with an emphasis in poetry. There, she studied under Miller Williams, Jim Whitehead, and others who taught her to finetune her work. She was a serious student, learning from every critique and making publishing contacts along the way. Her hard work and determination paid off. After graduating, she secured jobs teaching creative writing at the university level, first in Monroe, La., and then Pittsburg, Kan. Working in this environment allowed her to continue her own writing pursuits. She and Charles returned to Arkansas for several years when their children faced serious health issues. In 1999, their daughter, Charla Jo Stone, died of cancer at age 42. They later returned to Kansas City, where Charles worked as a commercial real estate appraiser. The topics Jo writes about arise from her personal life experiences, but she said she doesn’t use writing as therapy. Rather, through her writing, she has learned that the human spirit is resilient. Her pieces are sparse, honest, sometimes funny, and easy to interpret. Human experiences are turned into touching, heart-rendering moments in just a few brief lines - see Telling Time below.
e m i T g n i l l e T ay
d I walk aw grave. n a n o s y M ld ter’s day-o from his sis the sun , to O ur backs pitch of our shadows d the forwar ime. t tells us the accident t By sweetes he inclines touching mine. , his shadow
62 | 501 LIFE April 2021 Photo by Mike Kemp
To date, she has published seven books of poetry: “The Woman in the Next Booth” (1987), “Towns Facing Railroads” (1991), “From Darkening Porches” (1996), “Dirt” (2001), “Satisfied with Havoc” (2004), “In the Home of the Famous Dead: Collected Poems” (2015), and “The Undiscovered Room” (2016); and two chapbooks: “Women Who Marry Houses” (1983), and “Under an Arkansas Sky” (2012). Her memoir was published in 2011. Her poetry has even been adapted for a stage play and a short film. In 2014, the couple returned to Arkansas. She was nominated by the Poets Roundtable of Arkansas (PRA) for poet laureate, and in 2018 she was appointed to the four-year position by Gov. Asa Hutchinson. “Being chosen was a great privilege and honor,” she said. Now in her 80s, she shows no signs of slowing down, and as poet laureate, she continues to spread the word on the ways poetry can inspire. Her first task was to write a poem for Gov. Hutchinson’s inauguration. On a blustery Jan. 15, 2019, Jo read her poem “Anything We Want, Anything We Dream” at the event. (Poem below as a sidebar if room?)
Reaching the younger generation is an important goal for Jo. In 2020 with the help of PRA, she requested a state proclamation creating the first annual Arkansas Youth Poetry Day. Currently, she is busy organizing events for this year’s celebration on April 10, which will include students reading their original works using a virtual open mic showcase. In February, she assisted the Arkansas Center for the Book with an online event featuring Pulitzer Prize winner Jericho Brown. Her awards and accolades continue to grow. In 2019, she received the Porter Prize Fund's Lifetime Achievement Award, which is given every five years to an Arkansas writer with a recognized body of work. She has received a fellowship from the Arkansas Arts Council. In 2020, she was honored with a Pushcart Prize, and her work will appear in the 2021 Pushcart Press anthology. Jo and Charles have been married 65 years, and they now reside in North Little Rock. Her books are available on Amazon and through the University of Arkansas Press. She is available as a writing mentor and as a reader at virtual events.
A selection from:
Anything We Want, Anything We Dream I see Arkansas, its kingdoms of diversity rising and falling and rising again, its people willing to sacrifice for what they taste of splendor, braiding grit and hope, pulling themselves up from adversity. Arkansas: where creativity negotiates with its rugged history, where the future lures like its rivers, silvery and ever-changing. Under the dome of opportunity, I see Arkansas, Where Hope sets the step and rhythm of our days.
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April 2021 501lifemag.com | 63
TRAVEL
64 | 501 LIFE April 2021
Linda Henderson Jim and Linda Henderson are lifelong residents of the 501. They travel the 501 and other areas of Arkansas. Jim drives and hauls equipment. Linda takes photographs of Arkansas. During their travels, they have gained appreciation and love for The Natural State. They have found the 501 has so much to offer for fun and beauty to photograph.
I
am so excited about this month’s theme - day
trips and vacationing in the Natural State. Most of my photography and day trips are within the 501, but occasionally, we head out of the 501 and visit the Buffalo River area.
Rocky Mountain Elk are often viewed in Ponca throughout the fall and winter.
In 1972, Congress established the Buffalo National River as America’s first national river. President Richard M. Nixon signed Public Law 92-237 to put the river under the protection of the National Park Service. The congressional act did so for "The purposes of conserving and interpreting an area containing unique scenic and scientific features and preserving as a free-flowing stream an important segment of the Buffalo River in Arkansas for the benefit and enjoyment of present and future generations.” The national river boundaries are managed by the National Parks Service. The park encompasses 135 miles of the 150-mile-long river of free-flowing water. The river runs through Newton, Searcy, Marion, and Baxter counties. The Buffalo National River Park has a total of 94,293 acres. The park is divided into three sections--the Upper Buffalo Wilderness Area, the Ponca Wilderness Area, and the Lower Buffalo Wilderness Area. The park
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has more than 800,000 visitors a year, and activities include floating, horseback riding, camping, wildlife viewing, and wilderness and trail hiking. The upper Buffalo originates in the Boston Mountains of Northwest Arkansas near the Boxley Valley Bridge and flows east toward the Ozark Mountains. The lower river merges into the White River at Buffalo City in Baxter County. The river flows beside multi-colored bluffs towering more than 400 feet. The bluffs are made up of eroded sandstone, limestone, and dolomite. There are numerous rainfall pour-offs, caves, cliffs, sinkholes, waterfalls, springs, and rock formations along the river. The upper river is also home to free-ranging Rocky Mountain elk herds. Other wildlife that makes its home in the Buffalo area includes endangered bat populations, beavers, raccoon, deer, river otters, eagles, and black bears. Smallmouth bass, perch, and catfish can be
found in the river. Along with the natural features, Buffalo National River Park has historical sites that tell the cultural history of the river's peoples. These sites contain historic farmsteads, grist mill, cabins built by early Arkansas settlers, old mining villages, pioneer cemeteries, and Civilian Conservation Corps structures. When people ask me where to go in Arkansas to take pictures, I frequently recommend the Buffalo River area. I am always amazed when they tell me they have never visited the park. So, if you have never visited the area, take a little day trip or a vacation to one of Arkansas’ most beautiful areas. Enjoy a canoe float down the river, take a hike, view the elk, or learn and experience the history of the area. The river is truly an Arkansas state treasure. In the words of native son songwriter Jimmy Driftwood, the Buffalo River is "Arkansas's gift to the nation, America's gift to the world."
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TRAVEL
ome faraway places tantalize and S lure you until suddenly you find yourself snagged like a fish on the end of a line and you cannot free yourself — not that you really want to.
Belize is that place for me. I have visited this intriguing country some sixty times since 1987, and it now serves as my unofficial second home. Similar to Central Arkansas, the area code for the entire country is 501 and when I receive calls from friends there, it always catches my eye. The small country sits on the coast of the Caribbean Sea, just below the Mexican hotspots of Cancun, Cozumel and Playa del Carmen. With its white sands, palm trees, Mayan ruins, jungle rivers, green mountains, vast citrus orchards, acres of sugarcane and jungle trails lined with mahogany and ziricote trees, it draws me like a magnet. Like any other place that becomes so familiar, it has a comfortable warmth and an easy way about it that feels like a favorite recliner. Belize has a variety of tantalizing destinations ranging from the Caribbean islands in the east to the mountainous region in the west. And the good thing is, every destination in Belize is just a day trip away. But be forewarned, you Arkansas 501-dwellers, do not expect a lot of traffic lights, paved roads, McDonalds on every corner, and all the comforts of home. However, it is precisely the lack of those things that adds to the charm and allure of this Central American gem. Formerly known as British Honduras, Belize is the only country in Central America where distance is measured in miles and English is the official language. Road signs are easy to understand and cars are driven on the right side of the road. Our charitable organization called The Iguana Squad, in partnership with First Baptist Church, has conducted some 45 missions to Belize, where we build schools, set up medical clinics and now, in cooperation with the Belizean government, conduct surgical missions. A special thanks go out to all the volunteers who have participated, especially Bill Milburn and Dr. Tom Roberts.
68 | 501 LIFE April 2021
An aerial view of the coral reef called the Blue Hole in the Caribbean Ocean off the coast of Belize.
At The Belize Zoo, Junior Buddy was likely the country's most recognizable jaguar
At the top of ancient Maya archaeological site Xunantunich
View from the pier in San Pedro
Our “Belize-style road trips” pass through quiet little villages with names like Gallon Jug, Crooked Tree, Monkey River Town, Teakettle and Burnt Ground, where the streets are always filled with locals, iguanas and bougainvillea. A short drive north from the International Airport in Belize City brings us to Orange Walk Town, the capital of Orange Walk District, which is home to Mayan ruins, great local restaurants, the beautiful New River. We continue to the sleepy and remote fishing village of Sarteneja, which is perched on the edge of the Bay of Chetumal facing Mexico. It was here that an old lobster fisherman took me out in his boat for a day of fishing on the bay. Unfortunately, the fish were not biting, so we let the anchor down in the middle of the bay for some swimming. The old man stripped down to his swimsuit, dived gracefully from the boat and swam like a fish. Driving west on the Western Highway, we pass through the capital city of Belmopan and continue to my favorite little village of San Jose Succotz, which is cradled by the deep green Mopan River, just across the border from Guatemala. We cross the river on a hand-cranked ferry to a narrow, paved road that leads to the great Mayan ruin of Xunantunich (su-nan’-too-nitch). We park the car at the foot of the ruins and walk up the hill amid the sounds of the howler monkeys, whom you swear are in terrible pain. They set the mood for a climb to the top of the Iron Maiden, the Mayan temple with commanding 360-degree views that allow you to see deep into Guatemala. Marked trails take you through the jungle
where legend has it that just the slightest touch of the poisonwood tree will make you ill and only the bark of the Texas madrone tree will provide relief. I have yet to see any proof! Nearby caves are open for exploration and I recently picked up several shards of ancient Mayan pottery. There are so many other destinations in this area, including the Thousand Foot Falls, the Rio Frio caves and the picturesque riverside village of Bullet Tree Falls, where our group was invited to watch an American film crew shoot an action scene for a major motion picture. Retracing our steps to Belmopan, we turn south and travel the beautiful Hummingbird Highway, which meanders through endless acres of orange and lime orchards and dense jungle foliage that provides breathtaking landscapes. If we are fortunate, we may find ourselves behind a large open-top truck loaded with oranges for market, and we’ll pick up the fresh fruit that falls off the overloaded beds. This highway terminates in the coastal town of Dangriga, home of the Garifuna, a cultural and ethnic group of shipwrecked slaves and native Caribbean islanders who have perfected drum-based Punta Rock, a pulsating and mesmerizing sound similar to reggae. One of my favorite evenings was a concert by a local drum band complete with their own drum dancers. If we continue down the coast, we arrive in the resort community of Placencia, home to a growing community of expats searching for warm climes, lower cost of living and Caribbean views. One very popular day-trip option is to board a puddle-jumper for a 15-minute flight,
or a water taxi for a 45-minute boat ride, to San Pedro Town on the island of Ambergris Caye, a village featured by Madonna in her song “La Isla Bonita,” where, “tropical the island breeze, all of nature wild and free, this is where I long to be.” It is a wonderful place filled with local restaurants featuring fresh seafood. From the water’s edge, you can see the waves cresting over the world’s secondlongest barrier reef located just half a mile off shore. A short boat trip and you will be diving or snorkeling in and around the coral reef full of multicolored tropical fish, petting the rubbery sting rays and rubbing your hands along the slippery backs of the nurse sharks. If a fishing trip suits you better, there are many options to satisfy your desire to fill the boat or land the big one. Take your catch back to your resort and the staff will prepare it to your liking for the evening meal. Alternately, you may enjoy the slow-paced, laid-back style of nearby Caye Caulker with its white sand streets and little beachfront dives, where the locals live up to their motto of “Go Slow.” I recently fished inside the reef with my daughter and our guide, and we landed a variety of tasty specimens. And, just like the red snapper on the end of my line, I have been hooked on Belize for all these years. If ever you are there — and I think you should make plans — please say hello to my friends Shakira, Pastor Eric, Dwight, Rudolpho, Victor, little Eveliany, Lloyd and so many others, and please tell them I sent you. Rather than visiting by cruise ship, plan a personal visit so you can experience the beautiful and friendly 501 area code called Belize. April 2021 501lifemag.com | 69
LITTLE ROCK NEIGHBORS Person of the month
Stacy Hurst Secretary, Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism State Historic Preservation Officer
CITY:
Little Rock.
FAMILY: My husband is Howard Hurst, president and owner of Tipton & Hurst florist. We have two adult children: a son, Conley, and a daughter, Josie. We have two rescue dogs: Van Gogh, a labrador mix, and Cutter, a boxer. And we have a ragdoll cat, Annie. EDUCATION: Bachelor of arts degree in communication from the University of Arkansas. WORK: I’ve served in Gov. Asa Hutchinson’s administration since 2015, first as director of the Department of Arkansas Heritage, and as secretary of the newly formed Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism since 2019. Prior to my service with the state, I worked at Tipton & Hurst and served for 12 years as an elected member of the Little Rock Board of Directors. My first job out of college was with Arkansas Children’s Hospital Foundation. I worked there for 12 years and retired as vice president soon after the birth of our first child. WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO GO INTO YOUR FIELD: I’m drawn to public service
because of the opportunity it affords to contribute to the betterment of our community and our state. Working for Gov. Hutchinson has been the most rewarding role of my career because he is a tireless and thoughtful public servant and a great role model.
COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES: I’m currently serving my second term on the Little Rock Municipal Airport Commission and I’m a board member of the Arkansas Women’s Hall of Fame. Prior to my role in state government, I served on many boards including The Nature Conservancy, Boys and Girls Clubs, First Tee of Arkansas, the Cathedral School, Youth Home, the Little Rock Zoo, and the CARTI Foundation. MOST CHERISHED POSSESSION: My
family and my health.
MOST ENJOYED WEEKEND ACTIVITY: Getting outdoors in The Natural
State. We have so many interesting, beautiful and authentic places to see and explore in Arkansas.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT LIVING IN THE 501: I love many things about living
in the 501, but one of my favorites is the easy and abundant access we enjoy to glorious nature and outdoor recreation. I can leave my house in Little Rock and reach lovely Two Rivers Park at the confluence of the Little Maumelle River and the Arkansas River in 15 minutes. Rattlesnake Ridge Natural Area is equally accessible and affords breathtaking views of Lake Maumelle and Pinnacle Mountain State Park. I can live in the city and enjoy everything the city has to offer, but nature and its therapy is nearby. 70 | 501 LIFE April 2021
Sec. Hurst sits at one of her favorite places, the Old State House Museum in Little Rock. Photo by Mike Kemp
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